Benzoyl-piperazine derivatives

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to compounds of formula 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     wherein the substituents are described herein. The compounds may be used in the treatment of illnesses based on the glycine uptake inhibitor, such as psychoses, pain, neurodegenerative disfunction in memory and learning, schizophrenia, dementia and other diseases in which cognitive processes are impaired, such as attention deficit disorders or Alzheimer&#39;s disease.

PRIORITY TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/911,359, filed Aug. 4, 2004, now pending; which claims the benefit of European Application No. 03017614.3, filed Aug. 11, 2003. The entire contents of the above-identified applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the treatment of CNS disorders such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. More particularly, the invention relates to inhibition of GlyT-1.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Schizophrenia is a progressive and devastating neurological disease characterized by episodic positive symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, thought disorders and psychosis and persistent negative symptoms such as flattened affect, impaired attention and social withdrawal, and cognitive impairments (Lewis D A and Lieberman J A, Neuron, 28:325-33, 2000). For decades research has focused on the “dopaminergic hyperactivity” hypothesis which has led to therapeutic interventions involving blockade of the dopaminergic system (Vandenberg R J and Aubrey K R., Exp. Opin. Ther. Targets, 5(4): 507-518, 2001; Nakazato A and Okuyama S, et al., Exp. Opin. Ther. Patents, 10(1): 75-98, 2000). This pharmacological approach poorly address negative and cognitive symptoms which are the best predictors of functional outcome (Sharma T., Br. J. Psychiatry, 174(suppl. 28): 44-51, 1999).

A complementary model of schizophrenia was proposed in the mid-1960' based upon the psychotomimetic action caused by the blockade of the glutamate system by compounds like phencyclidine (PCP) and related agents (ketamine) which are non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonists. Interestingly in healthy volunteers, PCP-induced psychotomimetic action incorporates positive and negative symptoms as well as cognitive dysfunction, thus closely resembling schizophrenia in patients (Javitt D C et al., Biol. Psychiatry, 45: 668-679, 1999). Furthermore transgenic mice expressing reduced levels of the NMDAR1 subunit displays behavioral abnormalities similar to those observed in pharmacologically induced models of schizophrenia, supporting a model in which reduced NMDA receptor activity results in schizophrenia-like behavior (Mohn A R et al., Cell, 98: 427-236, 1999).

Glutamate neurotransmission, in particular NMDA receptor activity, plays a critical role in synaptic plasticity, learning and memory, such as the NMDA receptors appears to serve as a graded switch for gating the threshold of synaptic plasticity and memory formation (Wiley, NY; Bliss T V and Collingridge G L, Nature, 361: 31-39, 1993). Transgenic mice over expressing the NMDA NR2B subunit exhibit enhanced synaptic plasticity and superior ability in learning and memory (Tang J P et al., Nature, 401-63-69, 1999).

Thus, if a glutamate deficit is implicate in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, enhancing glutamate transmission, in particular via NMDA receptor activation, would be predicted to produce both anti-psychotic and cognitive enhancing effects.

The amino acid glycine is known to have at least two important functions in the CNS. It acts as an inhibitory amino acid, binding to strychnine sensitive glycine receptors, and it also influences excitatory activity, acting as an essential co-agonist with glutamate for N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor function. While glutamate is released in an activity-dependent manner from synaptic terminals, glycine is apparently present at a more constant level and seems to modulate/control the receptor for its response to glutamate.

One of the most effective ways to control synaptic concentrations of neurotransmitter is to influence their re-uptake at the synapses. Neurotransmitter transporters by removing neurotransmitters from the extracellular space, can control their extracellular lifetime and thereby modulate the magnitude of the synaptic transmission (Gainetdinov R R et al, Trends in Pharm. Sci., 23(8): 367-373, 2002).

Glycine transporters, which form part of the sodium and chloride family of neurotransmitter transporters, play an important role in the termination of post-synaptic glycinergic actions and maintenance of low extracellular glycine concentration by re-uptake of glycine into presynaptic nerve terminals and surrounding fine glial processes.

Two distinct glycine transporter genes have been cloned (GlyT-1 and GlyT-2) from mammalian brain, which give rise to two transporters with ˜50% amino acid sequence homology. GlyT-1 presents four isoforms arising from alternative splicing and alternative promoter usage (1a, 1b, 1c and 1d). Only two of these isoforms have been found in rodent brain (GlyT-1a and GlyT-1b). GlyT-2 also presents some degree of heterogeneity. Two GlyT-2 isoforms (2a and 2b) have been identified in rodent brains. GlyT-1 is known to be located in CNS and in peripheral tissues, whereas GlyT-2 is specific to the CNS. GlyT-1 has a predominantly glial distribution and is found not only in areas corresponding to strychnine sensitive glycine receptors but also outside these areas, where it has been postulated to be involved in modulation of NMDA receptor function (Lopez-Corcuera B et al., Mol. Mem. Biol., 18: 13-20, 2001). Thus, one strategy to enhance NMDA receptor activity is to elevate the glycine concentration in the local microenvironment of synaptic NMDA receptors by inhibition of GlyT-1 transporter (Bergereon R. et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 95: 15730-15734, 1998; Chen L. et al., J. Neurophysiol., 89(2): 691-703, 2003).

Glycine transporters inhibitors are suitable for the treatment of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. The majority of diseases states implicated are psychoses, schizophrenia (Armer R E and Miller D J, Exp. Opin. Ther. Patents, 11 (4): 563-572, 2001), psychotic mood disorders such as severe major depressive disorder, mood disorders associated with psychotic disorders such as acute mania or depression, associated with bipolar disorders and mood disorders, associated with schizophrenia, (Pralong E T et al., Prog. Neurobiol., 67: 173-202, 2002), autistic disorders (Carlsson M L, J. Neural Trans,. 105: 525-535, 1998), cognitive disorders such as dementias, including age related dementia and senile dementia of the Alzheimer type, memory disorders in a mammal, including a human, attention deficit disorders and pain (Armer R E and Miller D J, Exp. Opin. Ther. Patents, 11 (4): 563-572, 2001).

Thus, increasing activation of NMDA receptors via GlyT-1 inhibition may lead to agents that treat psychosis, schizophrenia, dementia and other diseases in which cognitive processes are impaired, such as attention deficit disorders or Alzheimer's disease.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides compounds of formula I per se, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The invention also provides compositions containing a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The invention further provides treatments for diseases related to activation of NMDA receptors via Glyt-1 inhibition, which comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the invention. For example, the invention provides for control or prevention of illnesses such as psychoses, disfunction in memory and learning, schizophrenia, dementia and other diseases in which cognitive processes are impaired, such as attention deficit disorders or Alzheimer's disease. The invention further provides processes for manufacturing compounds of the invention and compositions containing them. In one aspect, the present invention relates to compounds of the general formula I

wherein

-   Ar is unsubstituted or substituted aryl or 6-membered heteroaryl     containing one, two or three nitrogen atoms, and wherein the     substituted aryl and the substituted heteroaryl groups are     substituted by one or more substituents selected from the group     consisting of hydroxy, halogen, NO₂, CN, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl,     (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by halogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by     hydroxy, (CH₂)_(n)—(C₁-C₆)-alkoxy, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy substituted by     halogen, NR⁷R⁸, C(O)R⁹, SO₂R¹⁰, and —C(CH₃)═NOR⁷, or are substituted     by a 5-membered aromatic heterocycle containing 1-4 heteroatoms     selected from N and O, which is optionally substituted by     (C₁-C₆)-alkyl; -   R¹ is hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)-alkyl; -   R² is hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₂-C₆)-alkenyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl     substituted by halogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by hydroxy,     (CH₂)_(n)—(C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl optionally substituted by     (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy or by halogen, CH(CH₃)—(C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl,     (CH₂)_(n+1)—C(O)—R⁹, (CH₂)_(n+1)—CN, bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl,     (CH₂)₊₁—O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (CH₂)_(n)-heterocycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n)-aryl     or (CH₂)_(n)-5 or 6-membered heteroaryl containing one, two or three     heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulphur or     nitrogen wherein aryl, heterocycloalkyl and heteroaryl are     unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituents selected     from the group consisting of hydroxy, halogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl and     (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy; -   R³, R⁴ and R⁶ are each independently hydrogen, hydroxy, halogen,     (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy or O—(C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl; -   R⁵ is NO₂, CN, C(O)R⁹ or SO₂R¹⁰; -   R⁷ and R⁸ are each independently hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)-alkyl; -   R⁹ is hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy or NR⁷R⁸; -   R¹⁰ is (C₁-C₆)-alkyl optionally substituted by halogen,     (CH₂)_(n)—(C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n)—(C₃-C₆)-alkoxy,     (CH₂)_(n)-heterocycloalkyl or NR⁷R⁸; -   n is 0, 1, or 2;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof,

with the proviso that

-   1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazine, -   1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-piperazine, -   1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-piperazine, -   4-(3-amino-4-nitrophenyl)-1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-piperazine, -   1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperazine, -   4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperazine, -   1-(2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl)-4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-piperazine, -   1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-4-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-methyl-piperazine, -   1-(4-chloro-2-nitrophenyl)-4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-piperazine     and -   4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-methyl-piperazine -   are excluded.

The compounds

-   1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazine, -   1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-piperazine     and -   1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-piperazine     are specifically described in EP 0171636, possessing inhibiting     activity towards carbonic anhydrase which plays a determining role     in many physiological and pathological processes.

The other excluded compounds are commercially available products.

The present invention relates to compounds of general formula I, to pharmaceutical composition containing them and their use in the treatment of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. It has surprisingly been found that the compounds of general formula I are good inhibitors of the glycine transporter 1 (GlyT-1), and that they have a good selectivity to glycine transporter 2 (GlyT-2) inhibitors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The preferred indications using the compounds of the present invention are schizophrenia, cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.

Furthermore, the invention includes all racemic mixtures, all their corresponding enantiomers and/or optical isomers.

As used herein, the term “alkyl” denotes a saturated straight- or branched-chain group containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, i-butyl, 2-butyl, t-butyl and the like. Preferred alkyl groups are groups with 1-4 carbon atoms.

The term “alkoxy” denotes a group wherein the alkyl residues is as defined above, and which is attached via an oxygen atom.

The term “cycloalkyl” denotes a saturated carbocyclic group containing 3-7 carbon atoms.

The term “alkenyl” denotes an unsaturated straight- or branched alkyl chain containing from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and having one or more double bonds, for example methylene, ethylene, propylene, isopropylene, and the like.

The term “halogen” denotes chlorine, iodine, fluorine and bromine.

The term “aryl” denotes a monovalent cyclic aromatic hydrocarbon radical consisting of one or more fused rings in which at least one ring is aromatic in nature, for example phenyl, benzyl, naphthyl, biphenyl or indanyl.

The term “6-membered heteroaryl containing one, two or three nitrogen atoms” denotes a monovalent aromatic carbocyclic radical, for example pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl or 1,3,5-triazinyl.

The term “heterocycloalkyl” denotes a non aromatic hydrocarbon radical, for example oxetanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl or thiomorpholinyl.

The term “5-membered aromatic heterocycle containing 1-4 heteroatoms, selected from N and O” denotes for example 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl, oxazolyl, 1,3,4-oxadiazolyl or tetrazolyl.

The term “5 or 6-membered heteroaryl containing one, two or three heteroatoms, selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen” denotes a monovalent aromatic carbocyclic radical, for example pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, triazinyl, thiazolyl, thienyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, isothiazolyl or isoxazolyl.

The term “alkyl, substituted by halogen” denotes for example the following groups: CF₃, CHF₂, CH₂F, CH₂CF₃, CH₂CHF₂, CH₂CH₂F, CH₂CH₂CF₃, CH₂CH₂CH₂CF₃, CH₂CH₂Cl, CH₂CF₂CF₃, CH₂CF₂CHF₂, CF₂CHFCF₃, C(CH₃)₂CF₃, CH(CH₃)CF₃ or CH(CH₂F)CH₂F.

The term “alkyl, substituted by hydroxy” denotes for example the following groups: CH(OH)CH₃, CH₂CH(OH)CH₃, CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂OH, (CH₂)₂OH, (CH₂)₃OH or CH₂C [(CH₃)]₂—CH₂OH.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt” embraces salts with inorganic and organic acids, such as hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, citric acid, formic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, acetic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, methane-sulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid and the like.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable,” such as pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient, etc., means pharmacologically acceptable and substantially non-toxic to the subject to which the particular compound is administered.

The term “therapeutically effective amount” denotes an amount that is effective to prevent, alleviate or ameliorate symptoms of disease or prolong the survival of the subject being treated.

In one embodiment, the invention provides compounds of the general formula

wherein

-   Ar is substituted aryl or unsubstituted or substituted 6-membered     heteroaryl containing one, two or three nitrogen atoms, and wherein     the substituted aryl and the substituted heteroaryl groups are     substituted by one or more substituents selected from the group     consisting of hydroxy, halogen, NO₂, CN, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl,     (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by halogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy     substituted by halogen, NR⁷R⁸, C(O)R⁹ and SO₂R¹⁰; -   R¹ is hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)-alkyl; -   R² is (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by halogen,     (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl,     (C₁-C₆)-alkyl-(C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl-heterocycloalkyl,     (C₁-C₆)-alkyl-C(O)—R⁹, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl-CN, (C₂-C₆)-alkyl-O—R¹³,     (C₂-C₆)-alkyl-NR⁷R⁸, aryl, 6-membered heteroaryl containing one, two     or three nitrogen atoms, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl-aryl, or (C₁-C₆)-alkyl-5 or     -6-membered heteroaryl containing one, two or three heteroatoms     selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen     wherein aryl, heterocycloalkyl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or     substituted by one or more substituents selected from the group     consisting of hydroxy, halogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl and (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy; -   R³, R⁴ and R⁶ are each independently hydrogen, hydroxy, halogen, CN,     (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy or NR⁷R⁸; -   R⁵ is NO₂, CN, C(O)R⁹, SO₂R¹⁰ or NR¹¹R¹²; -   R⁷ and R⁸ are each independently hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)-alkyl; -   R⁹ is hydroxy, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy or     NR⁷R⁸; -   R¹⁰ is (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl or NR⁷R⁸; -   R¹¹ and R¹² are each independently hydrogen, C(O)—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, or     SO₂—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, or form together with the N-atom to which they     are attached a 5-membered heteroaryl group, optionally substituted     by halogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by halogen or     (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl; -   R¹³ is hydroxy, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl or (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl;     or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof,     with the proviso that -   1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazine, -   1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-piperazine, -   1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-piperazine, -   4-(3-amino-4-nitrophenyl)-1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-piperazine, -   1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperazine, -   4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperazine, -   1-(2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl)-4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-piperazine, -   1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-4-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-methyl-piperazine, -   1-(4-chloro-2-nitrophenyl)-4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-piperazine     and -   4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-methyl-piperazine -   are excluded.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula Ia

wherein

-   R is hydrogen or halogen; -   R′ is hydrogen or halogen; -   R″ is CN, C(O)—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by halogen     or S(O)₂—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl; -   R′″ is hydrogen; -   R⁵ is S(O)₂—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, S(O)₂NH₂ or NO₂; and -   R² is (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl,     (C₁-C₆)-alkyl-(C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by     halogen, —(CH₂)₂O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, benzyl or aryl, optionally     substituted by halogen;     or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, with     the exception of -   1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazine     and -   1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-piperazine.

A further embodiment of the invention provides those compounds of formula Ia, wherein

-   R is hydrogen or fluoro; -   R′ is hydrogen or fluoro; -   R″ is CN, C(O)CH₃, CF₃ or S(O)₂—CH₃; -   R′″ is hydrogen; -   R⁵ is S(O)₂—CH₃, S(O)₂NH₂ or NO₂; and -   R² is (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, —CH₂-cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, —CH₂—CF₃,     —(CH₂)₂—O—CH₃, or is benzyl or phenyl substituted by fluoro.

Examples of such compounds are 2-Fluoro-4-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile,

-   [4-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone, -   1-{3-fluoro-4-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-phenyl}-ethanone, -   4-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, -   3-fluoro-4-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, -   2-fluoro-4-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, -   (2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   [4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone     and -   [4-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone.

A further embodiment of the present invention provides compounds, wherein R⁵ is S(O)₂—CH₃ and R² is CH₂-cyclopropyl. An example of such compound is 4-[4-(2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-benzonitrile.

Compounds of formula Ia are further those, wherein R⁵ is S(O)₂—CH₃ and R² is CH₂CF₃, for example the following compounds:

-   [4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-tri-fluoro-ethoxy)-phenyl]-methanone     and -   [4-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-tri-fluoro-ethoxy)-phenyl]-methanone.

Compounds of formula Ia are further those, wherein R⁵ is S(O)₂—CH₃ and R² is cyclopentyl, for example the following compounds:

-   4-[4-(2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-benzonitrile     and -   4-[4-(2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2-fluoro-benzonitrile.

Preferred compounds of formula I of the present invention are those, wherein Ar is substituted phenyl, R² is (C₁-C₆)-alkyl and R⁵ is S(O)₂CH₃ or S(O)₂CH₂CH₃.

The following specific compounds relate to this group:

-   1-{3-fluoro-4-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-phenyl}-ethanone, -   3-fluoro-4-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, -   2-Fluoro-4-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, -   [4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone, -   1-{3-fluoro-4-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-phenyl}-ethanone, -   4-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, -   3-fluoro-4-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, -   2-fluoro-4-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, -   (2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   [4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone, -   [4-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone, -   [4-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone, -   [4-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone, -   2,3-difluoro-4-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, -   2,3-difluoro-4-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, -   2,5-difluoro-4-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, -   2,6-difluoro-4-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, -   3,5-difluoro-4-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, -   4-[4-(2-tert-butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2,3-difluoro-benzonitrile, -   5-chloro-2-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, -   4-[4-(2-tert-butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2,5-difluoro-benzonitrile, -   4-[4-(2-tert-butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-benzonitrile, -   (2-tert-butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   (2-tert-butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(2,5-difluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   1-(4-{4-[2-(2,2-dimethyl-propoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-3-fluoro-phenyl)-ethanone, -   4-{4-[2-(2,2-dimethyl-propoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, -   4-{4-[2-(2,2-dimethyl-propoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-3-fluoro-benzonitrile, -   4-{4-[2-(2,2-dimethyl-propoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-2-fluoro-benzonitrile, -   [2-(2,2-dimethyl-propoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   [2-(2,2-dimethyl-propoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl]-[4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   [2-(2,2-dimethyl-propoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl]-[4-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   [2-(2,2-dimethyl-propoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl]-[4-(2-fluoro-4-ethanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   rac-1-{4-[4-(2-sec-butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-phenyl}-ethanone, -   rac-4-[4-(2-sec-butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-benzonitrile, -   rac-4-[4-(2-sec-butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2-fluoro-benzonitrile, -   rac-(2-sec-butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   rac-(2-sec-butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   (2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   (2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   2-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-5-trifluoromethyl-benzonitrile, -   1-{2-fluoro-4-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-phenyl}-ethanone, -   [4-(3-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone, -   1-{2-fluoro-4-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-phenyl}-ethanone, -   2-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-5-trifluoromethyl-benzonitrile, -   (5-ethanesulfonyl-2-isopropoxy-phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   [4-(4-difluoromethyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone, -   [4-(3-chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone, -   3-fluoro-4-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzaldehyde, -   [4-(4-ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone, -   rac-(2-sec-butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   [4-(4-cyclobutanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone, -   [4-(4-cyclopentanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone, -   [4-(4-cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone     and -   [4-(4-cyclopropanesulfonyl-2,5-difluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone.

A further preferred group of compounds of formula I are those, wherein Ar is substituted phenyl, R² is (CH₂)_(n)—(C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl and R⁵ is S(O)₂CH₃, for example the following compounds

-   1-{4-[4-(2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-phenyl}-ethanone, -   4-[4-(2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, -   4-[4-(2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-benzonitrile, -   4-[4-(2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2-fluoro-benzonitrile, -   (2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   (2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   (2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   1-{4-[4-(2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-phenyl}-ethanone, -   4-[4-(2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, -   4-[4-(2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-benzonitrile, -   4-[4-(2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2-fluoro-benzonitrile, -   (2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   (2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   (2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   Rac-[2-(1-cyclopropyl-ethoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   4-[4-(2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2,3-difluoro-benzonitrile, -   4-[4-(2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2,5-difluoro-benzonitrile, -   4-[4-(2-cyclobutylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, -   4-[4-(2-cyclobutylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2-fluoro-benzonitrile, -   4-[4-(2-cyclobutylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-benzonitrile, -   (2-cyclobutylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   1-{4-[4-(2-cyclobutylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-phenyl}-ethanone, -   2-[4-(2-cyclobutylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-5-trifluoromethyl-benzonitrile, -   4-[4-(2-cyclobutylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2,3-difluoro-benzonitrile, -   4-[4-(2-cyclobutylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2,5-difluoro-benzonitrile, -   4-[4-(2-cyclobutylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3,5-difluoro-benzonitrile, -   4-[4-(2-cyclobutylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2,6-difluoro-benzonitrile, -   4-[4-(2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3,5-difluoro-benzonitrile, -   4-[4-(2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3,5-difluoro-benzonitrile, -   4-[4-(2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2,6-difluoro-benzonitrile, -   4-[4-(2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2,6-difluoro-benzonitrile, -   5-chloro-2-[4-(2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, -   4-[4-(2-cyclohexyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, -   4-[4-(2-cyclohexyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-benzonitrile, -   4-[4-(2-cyclohexyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2-fluoro-benzonitrile, -   (2-cyclohexyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   (2-cyclohexyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   (2-cyclohexyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   1-{4-[4-(2-cyclobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-phenyl}-ethanone, -   4-[4-(2-cyclobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-benzonitrile, -   (2-cyclobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   (2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   1-{4-[4-(2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2-fluoro-phenyl}-ethanone, -   2-[4-(2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-5-trifluoromethyl-benzonitrile, -   (2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   (2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   (2-cyclohexyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   (2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   (2-cyclohexyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   (2-cyclobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone

Preferred are further compounds, wherein Ar is substituted phenyl, R² is (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by halogen and R⁵ is S(O)₂CH₃. The following compounds relate to this group:

-   1-(3-fluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-phenyl)-ethanone, -   3-fluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, -   [4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-tri-fluoro-ethoxy)-phenyl]-methanone, -   [4-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-tri-fluoro-ethoxy)-phenyl]-methanone, -   [4-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-phenyl]-methanone, -   3-fluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(3,3,3-trifluoro-propoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, -   [4-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(3,3,3-trifluoro-propoxy)-phenyl]-methanone, -   [4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(3,3,3-trifluoro-propoxy)-phenyl]-methanone, -   1-(3-fluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(3,3,3-trifluoro-propoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-phenyl)-ethanone, -   2,5-difluoro-4-[4-(5-methanesulfonyl-2-trifluoromethoxy-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, -   2,3-difluoro-4-{4-[2-(2-fluoro-1-fluoromethyl-ethoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, -   2-fluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-propoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, -   [5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-propoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   2,3-difluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-propoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, -   3,5-difluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-propoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, -   2-{4-[2-(2-fluoro-1-fluoromethyl-ethoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-5-trifluoromethyl-benzonitrile, -   rac-2,3-difluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, -   2-Fluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-propoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, -   3-fluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-propoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, -   [5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-propoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   [4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-propoxy)-phenyl]-methanone, -   2,3-difluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-propoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, -   3,5-Difluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-propoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, -   [4-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-phenyl]-methanone, -   rac-5-chloro-2-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, -   rac-3,5-difluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, -   rac-2,5-difluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, -   rac-2,6-difluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, -   rac-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, -   rac-3-fluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, -   rac-2-fluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, -   rac-5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   rac-[4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-methanone, -   rac-[4-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-methanone, -   [4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-((S     or R)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-methanone, -   [5-methanesulfonyl-2-((S or     R)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone     and -   [5-methanesulfonyl-2-((R or     S)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone.

Preferred compounds of formula I of the present invention are further those wherein Ar is substituted phenyl, R² is (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by halogen, CH₂)_(n)—(C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, bicycle[2.2.1]heptyl, (CH₂)_(n)—O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl or CH₂)_(n)-heterocycloalkyl, and R⁵ is NO₂. Examples of such compounds include:

-   1-(3-fluoro-4-{4-[2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-5-nitro-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-phenyl)-ethanone, -   (2-isopropoxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   (2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   (2-cyclobutylmethoxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   (2-butoxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   [2-(2,2-dimethyl-propoxy)-5-nitro-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   (2-isobutoxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   (2-cyclopentyloxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   (5-nitro-2-propoxy-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   (2-cyclobutoxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   Rac-(2-sec-butoxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   [5-nitro-2-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-propoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   [5-nitro-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   [2-(bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yloxy)-5-nitro-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   [2-(2-chloro-ethoxy)-5-nitro-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone,     and -   [5-nitro-2-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-propoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone.

Further preferred are compounds wherein Ar is substituted phenyl, R² is (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by halogen or (CH₂)_(n)—(C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl and R⁵ is S(O)₂NHCH₃. Examples of such compounds include

-   3-[4-(4-Cyano-3-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-N-methyl-4-trifluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonamide, -   3-[4-(4-cyano-3-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-isobutoxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, -   3-[4-(4-cyano-3-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-cyclopentyloxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, -   3-[4-(4-cyano-3-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-cyclobutoxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, -   3-[4-(4-cyano-3-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-cyclobutylmethoxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, -   3-[4-(4-cyano-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-isobutoxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, -   3-[4-(4-cyano-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-cyclopentyloxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, -   3-[4-(4-cyano-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-cyclobutylmethoxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, -   3-[4-(4-cyano-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-isobutoxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, -   3-[4-(4-cyano-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-(2,2-dimethyl-propoxy)-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, -   3-[4-(4-cyano-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-isopropoxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, -   3-[4-(4-cyano-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-cyclopentyloxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, -   3-[4-(4-cyano-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-cyclobutoxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, -   3-[4-(4-cyano-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-cyclopropylmethoxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, -   3-[4-(4-cyano-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-cyclobutylmethoxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, -   3-[4-(4-acetyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-isobutoxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, -   3-[4-(4-acetyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-(2,2-dimethyl-propoxy)-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, -   3-[4-(4-acetyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-cyclopentyloxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, -   3-[4-(4-acetyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-cyclobutoxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, -   3-[4-(4-acetyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-cyclopropylmethoxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, -   4-isobutoxy-N-methyl-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-benzenesulfonamide, -   4-(2,2-dimethyl-propoxy)-N-methyl-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-benzenesulfonamide, -   4-isopropoxy-N-methyl-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-benzenesulfonamide, -   4-cyclopentyloxy-N-methyl-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-benzenesulfonamide, -   4-cyclobutoxy-N-methyl-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-benzenesulfonamide, -   4-cyclopropylmethoxy-N-methyl-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-benzenesulfonamide, -   4-cyclobutylmethoxy-N-methyl-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-benzenesulfonamide, -   N-methyl-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-(3,3,3-trifluoro-propoxy)-benzenesulfonamide, -   3-[4-(4-cyano-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-N-methyl-4-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzenesulfonamide, -   N-methyl-4-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-benzenesulfonamide, -   rac-N-methyl-4-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-benzenesulfonamide, -   rac-3-[4-(4-cyano-2,5-difluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-N-methyl-4-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzenesulfonamide,     and -   rac-3-[4-(4-cyano-2,3-difluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-N-methyl-4-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzenesulfonamide.

A further preferred group of compounds of formula I are those wherein Ar is a substituted 6-membered heteroaryl group containing one, two or three nitrogen atoms, R² is (C₁-C₆)-alkyl or CH₂)_(n)—(C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, and R⁵ is SO₂CH₃. Examples of the compounds include:

-   [4-(3-chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone, -   6-[4-(2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-nicotinonitrile, -   (2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(5-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   [4-(3-chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone, -   (2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(6-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   [4-(3-fluoro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone,     and -   (2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(3-fluoro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone.

Further preferred are compounds of formula I, wherein Ar is a substituted 6-membered heteroaryl group containing one, two or three nitrogen atoms, R² is (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by halogen and R⁵ is SO₂CH₃. Examples of these compounds include:

-   rac-[4-(3-chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-methanone, -   rac-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(5-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   rac-[4-(5-bromo-pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-methanone, -   rac-[4-(3-fluoro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-methanone, -   rac-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(6-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   [5-methanesulfonyl-2-((S or     R)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(5-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   [5-methanesulfonyl-2-((R or     S)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(5-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, -   [4-(3-fluoro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-((S)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-methanone,     and -   [4-(3-fluoro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1,1-dimethyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-methanone.

The present compounds of formula I and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be prepared by methods known in the art, for example, by processes described below. One such process comprises

a) reacting a compound of formula

with a compound of formula

in the presence of an activating agent, such as TBTU (2-(1H-benzotriazole-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluroniumtetrafluoroborate), to produce a compound of formula

wherein the substituents are as defined above, or b) reacting a compound of formula

with a compound of formula

R²OH

optionally in the presence of a catalyst, such as Cu(I)I, and a base, like potassium carbonate, cesium carbonate or sodium, to produce a compound of formula

wherein X is halogen and the other substituents are as defined above, or c) reacting a compound of formula

with a compound of formula

R²X

in the presence of a base and optionally in the presence of microwaves to produce a compound of formula

wherein X is halogen, mesylate or triflate and the other substituents are as defined above, or d) reacting a compound of formula

with a compound of formula

R²OH

under Mitsunobu conditions in the presence of a phosphine to produce a compound of formula

wherein the substituents are as defined above, or e) reacting a compound of formula

with a compound of formula

ArX

to produce a compound of formula

wherein X is halogen and the other substituents are as defined above, or f) reacting a compound of formula

with a corresponding amine or alcohol in the presence of an activating agent to produce a compound of formula

wherein R⁹ is (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy or NR⁷R⁸; and the other substituents are as defined above, or g) reacting a compound of formula

with a compound of formula RONH₂ to produce a compound of formula

wherein R is H or alkyl and the other substituents are as defined above, or h) reacting a compound of formula

with a reducing agent, like sodium borohydride (when R is H), or an alkylating agent, like alkyllithium (when R is alkyl), to produce a compound of formula

wherein R is H or alkyl and the other substituents are as defined above, and

if desired, converting the compounds obtained into pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts.

The compounds of formula I may be prepared in accordance with process variant a) to h) and with the following schemes 1 to 8. The starting materials are commercially available or may be prepared in accordance with known methods.

Compounds of general formula I can be prepared by reacting piperazine derivatives of formula II with a corresponding acid of formula III in the presence of an activating agent like TBTU (2-(1H-benzotriazole-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluroniumtetrafluoroborate). The acid of formula III can be prepared by reaction of an acid of formula IV with an alcohol of formula R²OH, optionally in the presence of a copper salt like Cu(I) Br. piperazine derivatives of formula II can be prepared by heating of the corresponding piperazine with ArX or by reacting of a N-protected piperazine with ArX in the presence of palladium catalyst followed by cleavage of the protective group. The protective group is typically tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc).

Alternatively, compounds of general formula I can be prepared by reaction of an acyl-piperazine of formula V and an alcohol of formula R²OH, optionally in the presence of a copper salt like Cu(I)I. Acylpiperazine derivatives of formula V can be prepared by reaction of an acid of formula IV with piperazine derivatives of formula II in the presence of an activating agent like TBTU (2-(1H-benzotriazole-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluroniumtetrafluoroborate).

Compounds of general formula I can be prepared by reacting a compound of formula VI with an electrophile of formula R²X in the presence of base like potassium carbonate and optionally in the presence of microwaves, wherein X is halogen, mesylate or triflate.

Compounds of general formula I can be prepared by reacting phenol of formula VI with an alcohol of formula R²OH under Mitsunobu conditions, in the presence of a phosphine, like triphenylphosphine or diphenyl-2-pyridylphosphine, and a dialkylazadicarboxylate, like diethylazadicarboxylate or di-tert-butyl azodicarboxylate.

The compound of formula VI can be prepared by deprotection (for example using hydrogen) of a phenol protected as a benzyl ether (I with R₂:benzyl).

Alternatively, a compound of formula VI can be prepared by reacting piperazine derivatives of formula II with an acid of formula VII in the presence of an activating agent like TBTU (2-(1H-benzotriazole-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluroniumtetrafluoroborate).

Compounds of general formula I can be prepared by reacting a piperazine of formula VIII with ArX.

wherein R⁹ is (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy or NR⁷R⁸;

Compounds of general formula Ib wherein R⁹ is as defined above can be prepared by reacting an acid of formula Ia with a corresponding amine or alcohol in the presence of an activating agent like carbonyldimidazole.

Compounds of general formula Id can be prepared in accordance with scheme 7 by reacting a compound of formula Ic bearing a carbonyl group, with a compound of formula RONH₂, wherein R is H or alkyl and R⁹ is (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy or NR⁷R⁸.

Compounds of general formula Ie wherein R is H or alkyl and R⁹ is (C₁-C₆)-alkyl or (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl can be prepared by reacting a compound of formula Ic bearing a carbonyl group, with a reducing agent like sodium borohydride (when R is H) or an alkylating agent like alkyllithium (when R is alkyl).

Racemic mixtures of chiral compounds of formula I can be separated using chiral HPLC.

The acid addition salts of the basic compounds of formula I may be converted to the corresponding free bases by treatment with at least a stoichiometric equivalent of a suitable base such as sodium or potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, ammonia, and the like.

The following 660 examples illustrate the present invention without limiting it. All temperatures are given in degree Celsius.

The following abbreviations were used in the examples:

RT: room temperature;

n-Boc-piperazine: tert-Butyl 1-piperazinecarboxylate,

Oxone®: (potassium peroxymonosulfate) 2 KHSO₅.KHSO₄.K₂SO₄, EtOAc: ethyl acetate; THF: tetrahydrofuran; TBTU: 2-(1H-benzotriazole-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluroniumtetrafluoroborate; DIPEA: diisopropylethylamine, DMF: N,N-dimetyhylformamide EXAMPLE 1.1 Preparation of 1-(2-Fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine (a) 4-(2-Fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

A mixture of 20 mmol 1-bromo-2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-benzene, 24.7 mmol n-Boc-piperazine, 0.1 mmol Tris(dibenzylideneacetone) dipalladium chloroform complex, 28.8 mmol sodium-t-butoxide and 0.4 mmol 2-(dicyclohexylphosphino)biphenyl in 50 ml toluene was heated for 16 h at 80° C. After cooling to RT the mixture was treated with 15 g Isolute HM-N and all volatiles were removed under vacuum. The residue was purified on silica eluting with a gradient of heptane/EtOAc to yield after evaporation the title compound.

(b) 1-(2-Fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine

A mixture of 9 mmol 4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester in 20 ml dioxane was treated with 8.93 ml 4N HCl in dioxane for 2 h at 80° C. The mixture was concentrated and treated with 20 ml water, 20 ml 2M Na₂CO₃ and extracted with 50 ml EtOAc. The organic phase was washed with 30 ml saturated NaCl. All aqueous phases were combined and extracted with 50 ml EtOAc. The combined organic phases were dried with MgSO₄ and evaporated to yield the title compound 1.1.

1-H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ=7.50 (d, J=13.3 Hz, 1H, H-3), 7.45 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H, H-5), 7.16 (dd, J₁=8.8 Hz, J₂=8.8 Hz, 1H, H-6), 3.5-3.2 (s, br, 1H, NH), 3.04 (m, 4H, piperazine), 2.87 (m, 4H, piperazine).

MS (m/e): 249.2 (MH⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 1.2 Preparation of 2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (a) 2-Chloro-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid

To 99 mmol 2-chloro-5-(methylthio) benzoic acid in 400 ml methanol at 0° C. 296 mmol Oxone® was added, and the mixture was allowed to stir at RT for 3.5 h. The precipitate was filtered off, and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was extracted 3× with 400 ml ethyl acetate, and the combined organic phases washed 2× with 300 ml 1N HCl and with 300 ml saturated aqueous NaCl solution and dried with MgSO₄. Evaporation under reduced pressure yielded the title compound.

(b) 2-Isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid

A mixture of 2.13 mmol 2-chloro-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid, 0.64 mmol Cu(I) Br in 5 ml NEt₃ and 25 ml isopropanol was heated to 120° C. for 16 h in a sealed tube. The volatiles were removed under vacuum, and the residue was taken up in 70 ml 1N HCl. Extraction with ethyl acetate drying of the combined organic fractions and evaporation yielded a residue which was purified by reversed phase preparative HPLC eluting with an acetonitrile/water gradient. Evaporation of the product fractions yielded the title compound 1.2.

MS (m/e): 257.0 (MH⁻, 100%)

In analogy to Example 1.2(b) compounds 1.3 to 1.7 of the following table were prepared from 2-chloro-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid and the appropriate alcohol:

Compound Name Alcohol MS (m/e) 1.3 2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- isobutanol 271.1 (MH⁻, benzoic acid 100%) 1.4 2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methane- cyclopropyl- 269.1 (MH⁻, sulfonyl-benzoic acid methanol 100%) 1.5 5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-tri- 2,2,2-trifluoro- 297.0 (MH⁻, fluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic acid ethanol 100%) 1.6 2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methane- cyclopentanol 282.9 (MH⁻, sulfonyl-benzoic acid 100%) 1.7 2-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-5-methane- 4-fluoro-phenol 309.1 (MH⁻, sulfonyl-benzoic acid (in THF) 100%)

EXAMPLE 1.8 Preparation of 1-{3-fluoro-4-[4-(2-fluoro-5-nitro-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-phenyl}-ethanone

A solution of 0.261 mmol 2-fluoro-5-nitro-benzoyl chloride [CAS: 7304-32-7; Feng and Burgess, Chem.Europ.J. EN, 5:3261-3272 (1999)] in 1 ml dioxane was treated with 0.522 mmol triethylamine and then with a solution of 0.261 mmol 1-(3-fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl-phenyl)-ethanone (CAS: 189763-57-3; WO 97/14,690) in 1 ml dioxane. The mixture was stirred at RT for 30 min. The solvent was removed in vacuo. The crude oil was taken up in water. The aqueous layer was extracted 3 times with CH₂Cl₂. The combined extracts were dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The crude gum was purified on silica gel (eluent: heptane/ethylacetate 0%-20% (10 min) to provide the title compound 1.8.

MS (m/e): 390.2 (MH⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 1.9 Preparation of (2-iodo-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (a) 2-Amino-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid

A mixture of 4.26 mmol 2-chloro-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid, 0.39 mmol Copper powder and 10 ml ammonium hydroxide 25% was heated at 125-130° C. with stirring for 18 hours. Mixture was cooled to room temperature and filtered. The solid was washed with methanol. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was acidified with HCl 1N to pH=2. The obtained solid was washed with water and dried (HV, 50° C., 1 hour) to yield the title compound. MS (m/e): 214.1 (M−H, 100%)

(b) 2-Iodo-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid

To a suspension of 3.0 mmol 2-amino-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid in a mixture of 1.7 ml sulfuric acid and 1.7 ml water was added dropwise a solution of 3.92 mmol sodium nitrite in 1.7 ml water at such rate that the temperature did not exceed 3° C. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 hour. A solution of 3.0 mmol KI in 1.7 ml water was added dropwise at 0° C. The brown suspension was allowed to warm to rt and stirred for 30 minutes. Excess iodine was destroyed by addition of a few drops of a sodium hydrogenosulfite solution. The solid was filtered, washed with water and dried (HV, 50° C., 1 hour) to yield the title compound. MS (m/e): 325.0 (M−H, 100%)

(c) (2-iodo-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]methanone

To a solution of 9.2 mmol 2-iodo-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid in 20 ml dimethylformamide 11.5 mmol TBTU, 46.0 mmol N-ethyldiisopropylamine and 11.0 mmol 1-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine (ABCR F07741NB, [30459-17-7]) were successively added. The reaction was then stirred at RT for two hours, concentrated in vacuo and purified by column chromatography (SiO₂, 50 g, CH₂Cl₂/MeOH/NH₃=100/0/0 to 95/4.5/0.5), to give the title compound 1.9. MS (m/e): 539.1 (M+H⁺)

EXAMPLE 5 Preparation of [4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone

A mixture of 0.05 mmol 2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (Compound 1.2), 0.06 mmol 1-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine, 0.055 mmol TBTU and 0.25 mmol DIPEA in 1 ml DMF was stirred at RT for 16 h. 0.5 ml MeOH/HCOOH 1/1 was added and the mixture was subjected to reversed phase preparative HPLC separation eluting with an acetonitrile/water gradient yielding the title compound.

MS (m/e): 489.2 (MH⁺, 100%)

In analogy to Example 5 compounds 1 to 4, 6 to 46 and 52-54 of the following table were prepared from the acid derivatives and piperazine derivatives:

Expl.- MW found No. Systematic Name Starting materials (MH⁺) 1 1-{3-fluoro-4-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5- 1-(3-fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 463.2 methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin- phenyl)-ethanone and Compound 1-yl]-phenyl}-ethanone 1.2 2 4-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5-methane- 4-piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile and 428.2 sulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- Compound 1.2 benzonitrile 3 3-fluoro-4-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5- 3-fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl-benzo- 446.2 methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)- nitrile and Compound 1.2 piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile 4 2-Fluoro-4-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5- 2-fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl-benzo- 446.2 methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)- nitrile and Compound 1.2 piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile 5 [4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl- 1-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl- 489.2 phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2- phenyl)-piperazine and isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- Compound 1.2 phenyl)-methanone 6 [4-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl- 1-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl- 489.2 phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-iso- phenyl)-piperazine and propoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- Compound 1.2 phenyl)-methanone 7 1-{3-fluoro-4-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5- 1-(3-fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 477.2 methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)- phenyl)-ethanone and Compound piperazin-1-yl]-phenyl}-ethanone 1.3 8 4-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5- 4-piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile and 442.2 methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)- Compound 1.3 piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile 9 3-fluoro-4-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5- 3-fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 460.3 methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)- benzonitrile and Compound 1.3 piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile 10 2-fluoro-4-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5- 2-fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 460.3 methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)- benzonitrile and Compound 1.3 piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile 11 (2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- 1-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 485.3 phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazine and Compound 1.3 piperazin-1-yl]-methanone 12 [4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl- 1-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl- 503.2 phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-iso- phenyl)-piperazine and butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- Compound 1.3 methanone 13 [4-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl- 1-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl- 503.1 phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-iso- phenyl)-piperazine and butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- Compound 1.3 methanone 14 [4-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl- 1-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl- 513.3 phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isobutoxy- phenyl)-piperazine and 5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- Compound 1.3 methanone 15 1-{4-[4-(2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5- 1-(3-fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 475.2 methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)- phenyl)-ethanone and Compound piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-phenyl}- 1.4 ethanone 16 4-[4-(2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5- 4-piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile and 440.3 methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin- Compound 1.4 1-yl]-benzonitrile 17 4-[4-(2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5- 3-fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl-benzo- 458.3 methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin- nitrile and Compound 1.4 1-yl]-3-fluoro-benzonitrile 18 4-[4-(2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5- 2-fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl-benzo- 458.3 methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin- nitrile and Compound 1.4 1-yl]-2-fluoro-benzonitrile 19 (2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methane- 1-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 483.2 sulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoro- piperazine and Compound 1.4 methyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- methanone 20 (2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methane- 1-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl- 501.2 sulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4-tri- phenyl)-piperazine and fluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1- Compound 1.4 yl]-methanone 21 (2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methane- 1-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl- 501.2 sulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(3-fluoro-4- phenyl)-piperazine and trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin- Compound 1.4 1-yl]-methanone 22 (2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methane- 1-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl- 511.3 sulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4- phenyl)-piperazine and methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin- Compound 1.4 1-yl]-methanone 23 1-(3-fluoro-4-{4-[5-methane- 1-(3-fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 503.1 sulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- phenyl)-ethanone and Compound benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-phenyl)- 1.5 ethanone 24 4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- 4-piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile and 468.1 trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoyl]- Compound 1.5 piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile 25 3-fluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2- 3-fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl-benzo- 468.2 (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoyl]- nitrile and Compound 1.5 piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile 26 2-fluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2- 2-fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl-benzo- 486.2 (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoyl]- nitrile and Compound 1.5 piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile 27 [5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-tri- 1-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 511.2 fluoro-ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4-tri- piperazine and Compound 1.5 fluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1- yl]-methanone 28 [4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl- 1-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl- 529.2 phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5- phenyl)-piperazine and methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro- Compound 1.5 ethoxy)-phenyl]-methanone 29 [4-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl- 1-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl- 529.2 phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine and 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro- Compound 1.5 ethoxy)-phenyl]-methanone 30 [4-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl- 1-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl- 539.2 phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine and 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro- Compound 1.5 ethoxy)-phenyl]-methanone 31 1-{4-[4-(2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl- 1-(3-fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 489.2 benzoyl)-piperazin-1- phenyl)-ethanone and Compound yl]-3-fluoro-phenyl}-ethanone 1.6 32 4-[4-(2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methane- 4-piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile and 454.2 sulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- Compound 1.6 benzonitrile 33 4-[4-(2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methane- 3-fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 472.2 sulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3- benzonitrile and Compound 1.6 fluoro-benzonitrile 34 4-[4-(2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methane- 2-fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 472.2 sulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2- benzonitrile and Compound 1.6 fluoro-benzonitrile 35 (2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl- 1-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl- 515.2 phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4-tri- phenyl)-piperazine and fluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1- Compound 1.6 yl]-methanone 36 (2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methane- 1-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl- 515.2 sulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(3-fluoro-4- phenyl)-piperazine and trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin- Compound 1.6 1-yl]-methanone 37 (2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methane- 1-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl- 525.3 sulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4- phenyl)-piperazine and methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin- Compound 1.6 1-yl]-methanone 38 1-(3-fluoro-4-{4-[2-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)- 1-(3-fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 515.2 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl]- phenyl)-ethanone and Compound piperazin-1-yl}-phenyl)-ethanone 1.7 39 4-{4-[2-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-5- 4-piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile and 480.2 methanesulfonyl-benzoyl]- Compound 1.7 piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile 40 3-fluoro-4-{4-[2-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)- 3-fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl-benzo- 498.2 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl]- nitrile and Compound 1.7 piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile 41 2-fluoro-4-{4-[2-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)- 2-fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl-benzo- 498.2 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl]- nitrile and Compound 1.7 piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile 42 [2-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-5-methane- 1-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 523.3 sulfonyl-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoro- piperazine and Compound 1.7 methyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- methanone 43 [2-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-5-methane- 1-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl- 541.2 sulfonyl-phenyl]-[4-(2-fluoro-4-tri- phenyl)-piperazine and fluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1- Compound 1.7 yl]-methanone 44 [2-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-5-methane- 1-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl- 541.2 sulfonyl-phenyl]-[4-(3-fluoro-4- phenyl)-piperazine and trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin- Compound 1.7 1-yl]-methanone 45 [4-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl- 1-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl- 551.3 phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[2-(4- phenyl)-piperazine and fluoro-phenoxy)-5-methane- Compound 1.7 sulfonyl-phenyl]-methanone 46 [4-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl- 1-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl- 499.2 phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2- phenyl)-piperazine and isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- Compound 1.2 phenyl)-methanone 52 3-[4-(4-acetyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 434.2 piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-methoxy- phenyl)-ethanone and 2- benzenesulfonamide methoxy-5-sulfamoyl-benzoic acid 53 3-[4-(4-acetyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 448.2 piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-ethoxy- phenyl)-ethanone and 2-Ethoxy-5- benzenesulfonamide sulfamoyl-benzoic acid 54 1-(3-Fluoro-4-{4-[2-(2-methoxy- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 446.1 ethoxy)-5-nitro-benzoyl]-piperazin- phenyl)-ethanone and 2-(2- 1-yl}-phenyl)-ethanone Methoxyethoxy)-5-nitrobenzoic acid

EXAMPLE 47 Preparation of 1-{3-fluoro-4-[4-(2-methoxy-5-nitro-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-phenyl}-ethanone

To a solution of 0.257 mmol 1-{3-fluoro-4-[4-(2-fluoro-5-nitro-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-phenyl}-ethanone (Compound 1.8) in 1.5 ml dioxane 102 mg sodium methoxyde was added portionwise. The mixture was stirred at 100° C. for 4 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with 10 ml water, neutralized with 1N HCl and then extracted with ethylacetate (3×10 ml). Combined organic phases were concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel: eluent: heptane/ethylacetate 0%-30% (10 min) to provide compound 47.

MS (m/e): 402.2 (M+H⁺, 100%).

EXAMPLE 48 Preparation of (2-benzyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone

A mixture of 0.19 mmol (2-iodo-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (Compound 1.9), 0.037 mmol CuI, 0.37 mmol Cs₂CO₃, 0.074 mmol 1,10-phenanthroline and 0.4 ml benzylic alcohol was heated at 110° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was cooled to RT, diluted with ethylacetate and filtered. The organic layer was washed twice with water, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The crude oil was purified on silica gel, eluent: heptane/ethylacetate 0%-50% (25 min) to provide compound 48.

MS (m/e): 519.2 (M+H⁺, 100%)

In analogy to Example 48 compounds 49 to 51 of the following table were prepared from (2-iodo-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (Compound 1.9) and alcohols:

MW Expl.- found No Systematic Name Starting materials (MH⁺) 49 (2-ethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- Compound 1.9 and 457.2 phenyl)-[4-(4-tri-fluoromethyl- ethanol phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- methanone 50 (2-isopropoxy-5- Compound 1.9 and 471.2 methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4- isopropylalcohol (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone 51 (2-cyclopentyloxy-5- Compound 1.9 and 497.2 methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4- cyclopentanol (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone

EXAMPLE 1.10 Preparation of 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-benzoic acid (a) 2-Amino-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid

A mixture of 4.26 mmol 2-chloro-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.2a), 0.39 mmol Copper powder and 10 ml ammonium hydroxide 25% was heated at 125-130° C. with stirring for 18 hours. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and filtered. The solid was washed with methanol. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was acidified with HCl 1N to pH=2. The obtained solid was washed with water and dried (HV, 50° C., 1 hour) to yield the title compound. MS (m/e): 214.1 (M−H, 100%)

(b) 2-Iodo-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid

To a suspension of 3.0 mmol 2-amino-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid in a mixture of 1.7 ml sulfuric acid and 1.7 ml water was added dropwise a solution of 3.92 mmol sodium nitrite in 1.7 ml water at such rate that the temperature did not exceed 3° C. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 hour. A solution of 3.0 mmol KI in 1.7 ml water was added dropwise at 0° C. The brown suspension was allowed to warm to rt and stirred for 30 minutes. Excess iodine was destroyed by addition of a few drops of a sodium hydrogenosulfite solution. The solid was filtered, washed with water and dried (HV, 50° C., 1 hour) to yield the title compound. MS (m/e): 325.0 (M−H, 100%)

(c) 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-benzoic acid

To a solution of 1.6 mmol 2-iodo-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid in 30 ml 2-methoxyethanol and 6 ml triethylamine were added 79 mg copper (I) bomide, and the reaction mixture heated to 120° C. for 4 h. The solvent was distilled off, and the residue dissolved in 90 ml 1N HCl. The aqueous phase was extracted twice with ethyl acetate, and the pooled organic extracts washed twice with water and once with brine. The organic layer was dried with Na₂SO₄, filtered and evaporated to yield the title compound 1.10. MS (m/e): 273.1 (MH⁻, 100%).

EXAMPLE 1.11 Preparation of 5-Cyano-2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-benzoic acid (a) 2-Bromo-5-cyano-benzoic acid

To a suspension of 7.1 mmol copper (II) bromide in acetonitrile (30 ml) was added dropwise 8.63 mmol tert-butylnitrite at 0° C. within 2 minutes. 6.17 mmol 2-Amino-5-cyano-benzoic acid (CAS: 99767-45-0; WO9518097) was added portionwise within 10 minutes at 0° C. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 2 hours and then at room temperature overnight. Half of the solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was taken in HCl 1N (15 ml) and ethyl acetate (30 ml). The organic layer was extracted with NaOH 1N (3×10 ml). The aqueous layer was acidified with HCl 2N. The resulting solid was filtered, washed with water and dried (high vacuum, 50° C.) to provide the title compound MS (m/e): 227.1 (M+H⁺, 100%)

(b) 5-Cyano-2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-benzoic acid

To a solution of 0.16 mmol 2-bromo-5-cyano-benzoic acid in 6 ml 2-methoxyethanol and 1.2 ml triethylamine were added 23 mg copper (I) bromide, and the reaction mixture heated to 120° C. for 4 h. The solvent was distilled off, and the residue dissolved in 20 ml 1N HCl. The aqueous phase was extracted twice with ethyl acetate, and the pooled organic extracts washed twice with water and once with brine. The organic layer was dried with Na₂SO₄, filtered and evaporated to yield the title compound 1.11. MS (m/e): 220.4 (MH⁻, 100%).

EXAMPLE 1.12 Preparation of 5-Cyano-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic acid

A mixture of 11.3 mmol sodium in 66 mmol 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol was heated to 100° C. until all sodium was dissolved (20 min.). Then a solution of 5.5 mmol 5-cyano-2-iodo-benzoic acid [CAS: 219841-92-6; WO9901455] in 2 ml N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and 0.5 mmol copper (I) bromide were added, and the reaction mixture heated to 120° C. for 2 h. The reaction mixture was poured onto water, acidified to pH 2 with conc. HCl and extracted 3× with ethyl acetate. The pooled organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and evaporated. Flash chromatography on silica gel with heptane/ethyl acetate provided the title compound 1.12. MS (EI) (m/e): 245.1 (M⁺, 94%), 146.0 ([M—CF₃CH₂O]⁺, 100%).

In analogy to Example 1.12 compounds 1.13 to 1.16 of the following table were prepared from 5-cyano-2-iodo-benzoic acid and the appropriate alcohol:

Compound Name Alcohol MS (m/e) 1.13 5-Cyano-2-isopropoxy-benzoic isopropanol 204.1 (M − H⁻, acid 100%) 1.14 5-Cyano-2-cyclopropylmethoxy- cyclopropyl- 216.1 (M − H⁻, benzoic acid methanol 100%) 1.15 5-Cyano-2-isobutoxy-benzoic isobutyl 218.3 (M − H⁻, acid alcohol 100%) 1.16 5-Cyano-2-cyclopentyloxy- cyclopentanol 230.1 (M − H⁻, benzoic acid 100%)

In analogy to Example 5 compounds 55 to 61 of the following table were prepared from the acid derivatives and piperazine derivatives:

Expl.- MW found No. Systematic Name Starting materials (MH⁺) 55 1-(3-Fluoro-4-{4-[5- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1- 479.5 methanesulfonyl-2-(2-methoxy- yl-phenyl)-ethanone ethoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- (WO9714690) and 5- phenyl)-ethanone Methanesulfonyl-2-(2- methoxy-ethoxy)-benzoic acid (compound 1.10) 56 4-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-3-[4-(4- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl- 434.5 trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazine and 5- piperazine-1-carbonyl]- cyano-2-(2-methoxy- benzonitrile ethoxy)-benzoic acid (compound 1.11) 57 4-(2,2,2-Trifluoro-ethoxy)-3-[4- 1-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl) 458.4 (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazine and 5-Cyano-2- piperazine-1-carbonyl]- (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- benzonitrile benzoic acid (compound 1.12) 58 4-Isopropoxy-3-[4-(4- 1-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl) 418.3 trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazine and 5-Cyano-2- piperazine-1-carbonyl]- isopropoxy-benzoic acid benzonitrile (compound 1.13) 59 4-Cyclopropylmethoxy-3-[4-(4- 1-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl) 430.6 trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazine and 5-Cyano-2- piperazine-1-carbonyl]- cyclopropylmethoxy- benzonitrile benzoic acid (compound 1.14) 60 4-Isobutoxy-3-[4-(4- 1-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl) 432.5 trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazine and 5-Cyano-2- piperazine-1-carbonyl]- isobutoxy-benzoic acid benzonitrile (compound 1.15) 61 4-Cyclopentyloxy-3-[4-(4- 1-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl) 444.5 trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazine and 5-Cyano-2- piperazine-1-carbonyl]- cyclopentyloxy-benzoic acid benzonitrile (compound 1.16)

EXAMPLE 2.1 Preparation of (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone

Compound 2.1 was prepared in analogy to Example 5 using 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzoic acid [96-97-9] and 1-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine. MS (m/e): 394.0 (M−H, 100%)

EXAMPLE 2.2 Preparation of (2-Hydroxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone

Compound 2.2 was prepared in analogy to Example 5 using 2-hydroxy-5-(methylsulfonyl)benzoic acid [68029-77-6] and 1-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine.

MS (m/e): 427.5 (M−H, 100%)

EXAMPLE 66 Preparation of (2-Butoxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone

A solution of (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (50 mg), potassium carbonate (87 mg) and 1-bromobutane (0.15 mL) in dimethylacetamide (0.3 mL) was heated at 150° C. for 15 minutes in a microwave oven. The reaction mixture was then concentrated and purified by column chromatography (SiO₂) to give the title compound (55 mg).

In analogy to Example 66, compounds 62 to 97 of the following table were prepared from the acid derivatives and piperazine derivatives:

Expl.- MW found No. Systematic Name Starting materials (MH⁺) 62 (2-Isopropoxy-5-nitro- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 438.4 phenyl)-[4-(4- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 1-yl]-methanone (compound 2.1) piperazin-1-yl]-methanone and 2-bromopropane 63 (2-Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 450.5 nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (compound 2.1) and cyclopropylmethylbromide 64 (2-Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 464.5 nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (compound 2.1) and Cyclobutylmethylbromide 65 (2-Allyloxy-5- (2-Hydroxy-5-methanesulfonyl- 469.5 methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl- [4-(4-trifluoromethyl- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- methanone (compound 2.2) methanone and cyclopropylbromide 66 (2-Butoxy-5-nitro-phenyl)- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 452.4 [4-(4-trifluoromethyl- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone methanone (compound 2.1) and bromobutane 67 Rac-[2-(2-Hydroxy- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 454.6 propoxy)-5-nitro-phenyl]- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [4-(4-trifluoromethyl- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 2.1) and rac-1- methanone Bromo-2-propanol 68 [2-(2,2-Dimethyl-propoxy)- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 466.6 5-nitro-phenyl]-[4-(4- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (compound 2.1) and 1-Bromo- 2,2-Dimethylpropane 69 [2-(3-Methyl-butoxy)-5- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 466.5 nitro-phenyl]-[4-(4- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (compound 2.1) and 1-Bromo- 3-methylbutane 70 (2-Isobutoxy-5-nitro- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 452.5 phenyl)-[4-(4- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (compound 2.1) and 1-Bromo- 3-methylpropane 71 (2-Cyclopentyloxy-5-nitro- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 464.5 phenyl)-[4-(4- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (compound 2.1) and Cyclopentyl bromide 72 (5-Nitro-2-propoxy- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 438.5 phenyl)-[4-(4- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (compound 2.1) and 1- Bromopropane 73 (2-Cycloheptyloxy-5-nitro- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 492.5 phenyl)-[4-(4- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (compound 2.1) and Bromocycloheptane 74 (2-Cyclobutoxy-5-nitro- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 450.4 phenyl)-[4-(4- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (compound 2.1) and Bromocyclobutane 75 [2-(2-Ethoxy-ethoxy)-5- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 468.5 nitro-phenyl]-[4-(4- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (compound 2.1) and 2- Bromoethyl-ethylether 76 [2-((R)-3-Hydroxy-2- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 468.4 methyl-propoxy)-5-nitro- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- phenyl]-[4-(4- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- (compound 2.1) and (R)-(−)-3- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone bromo-2-methyl-1-propanol 77 (2-Ethoxy-5-nitro-phenyl)- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 424.4 [4-(4-trifluoromethyl- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone methanone (compound 2.1) and 2-Bromo- 1-ethoxy-1,1,2-trifluoro-ethane 78 Rac-(2-sec-Butoxy-5-nitro- Rac-(2-Hydroxy-5-nitro- 452.5 phenyl)-[4-(4- phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone methanone (compound 2.1) and 2-Bromobutane 79 [2-(2-Hydroxy-ethoxy)-5- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 440.4 nitro-phenyl]-[4-(4- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (compound 2.1) and 2-Bromo- 1-ethanol 80 [5-Nitro-2-(2,2,3,3- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 510.5 tetrafluoro-propoxy)- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- phenyl]-[4-(4- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- (compound 2.1) and 1-Iodo- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone 2,2,3,3,-tetrafluoropropane 81 [5-Nitro-2-(4,4,4-trifluoro- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 506.5 butoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (compound 2.1) and 1-Bromo- 4,4,4,-trifluorobutane 82 [2-(2-Fluoro-ethoxy)-5- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 442.5 nitro-phenyl]- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [4-(4-trifluoromethyl- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone phenyl)-piperazin- (compound 2.1) and 1-Bromo- 1-yl]-methanone 2-fluoroethane 83 [2-(3-Hydroxy-2,2- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 482.6 dimethyl-propoxy)- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 5-nitro-phenyl]-[4-(4- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- (compound 2.1) and 3-Bromo- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone 2,2-Dimethyl-2-propan-1-ol 84 [5-Nitro-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 478.3 ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (compound 2.1) and 1,1,1- Trifluoro-2-iodo-ethane 85 [2-(1-Ethyl-propoxy)-5- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 466.5 nitro-phenyl]- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [4-(4-trifluoromethyl- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone phenyl)-piperazin- (compound 2.1) and 3-Bromo- 1-yl]-methanone pentane 86 [5-Nitro-2-(oxetan-3- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 452.4 yloxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (compound 2.1) and Toluene-4- sulfonic acid oxetan-3-yl ester (CAS: 26272-83-3) 87 [2-(3-Hydroxy-propoxy)-5- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 454.6 nitro-phenyl]-[4-(4- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (compound 2.1) and Bromopropanole 88 [2-(Bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 490.5 yloxy)-5-nitro- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- phenyl]-[4-(4- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone trifluoromethyl- (compound 2.1) and exo-2- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- Bromonorbornane methanone 89 [2-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-5- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 454.5 nitro-phenyl]- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [4-(4-trifluoromethyl- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 2.1) and 2- methanone bromoethylmethylether 90 [2-(3,3-Dimethyl-butoxy)- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 480.8 5-nitro-phenyl]-[4-(4- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (compound 2.1) and 1-bromo- 3,3-dimethylbutane 91 [2-(1-Ethoxy- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 480.6 cyclopropoxy)-5-nitro- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- phenyl]-[4-(4- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- (compound 2.1) and 1-Bromo- piperazin-1-yl]- 1-ethoxy-cyclopropane methanone 92 [2-(2-Chloro-ethoxy)-5- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 458.4 nitro-phenyl]- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [4-(4-trifluoromethyl- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone phenyl)-piperazin- (compound 2.1) and 2- 1-yl]-methanone Chloroethanol 93 {4-Nitro-2-[4-(4- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 435.4 trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazine-1-carbonyl]- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone phenoxy}-acetonitrile (compound 2.1) and bromoacetonitrile 94 [5-Nitro-2-(3,3,3-trifluoro- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 492.4 propoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (compound 2.1) and 1,1,1- Trifluoro-1-Iodopropan 95 [5-Nitro-2-(tetrahydro- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 480.4 pyran-4-yloxy)-phenyl]-[4- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (compound 2.1) and 4-chloro- tetrahydropyrane 96 [2-(2,2-Difluoro-ethoxy)-5- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 460.5 nitro-phenyl]-[4-(4- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (compound 2.1) and 1-bromo- 2,2-difluoroethane 97 [2-(1,1,2,3,3,3-Hexafluoro- (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4- 546.3 propoxy)-5-nitro-phenyl]- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [4-(4-trifluoromethyl- piperazin-1-yl]-methanone phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 2.1) and 3- methanone Hexafluoropropane

EXAMPLE 98 Preparation of (2-Difluoromethoxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone

In analogy to a procedure published in WO9749710, a solution of (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (50 mg), potassium carbonate (1 eq), and ethyl chlorofluoroacetate (1 eq) in DMF (1 mL) was stirred at 65° C. for 16 hours. After such time the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and purified by column chromatography (SiO₂) to yield the title compound (26 mg). MS (m/e): 446.0 (M+H⁺, 100%).

EXAMPLE 99 Preparation of 5-Nitro-2-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-cyclobutylmethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone

Example 99 was prepared in analogy to Example 66 using 1-(chloromethyl)-2,2,3,3-tetrafluorocyclobutane [356-80-9]. MS (m/e): 536.3 (M+H⁺, 100%).

EXAMPLE 100 Preparation of [5-Nitro-2-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-propoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone

To a refluxing solution of 50 mg of (2-hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone in acetone (2 mL) containing potassium carbonate (35 mg) was added 2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (54 mg) over 10 min. The reaction mixture was refluxed for 20 hours before being concentrated in vacuo and purified by column chromatography (SiO₂, CH₂Cl₂/MeOH) to yield the title compound as a colorless solid (66 mg). MS (m/e): 569.0 (M+H⁺, 100%).

EXAMPLE 101 Preparation of [2-(2-Fluoro-1-fluoromethyl-ethoxy)-5-nitro-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone

A solution of (2-hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (50 mg), 1,3-difluoro-2-propanol [453-13-4] (27 mg), triphenylphosphine (76 mg) and diisopropylazodicarboxylate (48 mg) was refluxed overnight, concentrated in vacuo and purified by column chromatography (SiO₂) to yield the title compound as a colorless solid (68 mg). MS (m/e): 474.1 (M+H⁺, 100%).

In analogy to Example 48, compounds 102 to 104 of the following table were prepared from (2-Iodo-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (compound 1.9) and an alcohol:

Expl.- MW found No. Systematic Name Starting materials (MH⁺) 102 [2-(1-Ethyl-propoxy)-5- (2-Iodo-5-methanesulfonyl- 499.5 methanesulfonyl-phenyl]- phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl- [4-(4-trifluoromethyl- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- methanone (compound 1.9) and methanone 3-Pentanol 103 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(3- (2-Iodo-5-methanesulfonyl- 513.4 methyl-oxetan-3- phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl- ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- methanone (compound 1.9) and piperazin-1-yl]-methanone Methyloxethanemethanol 104 Rac-[2-(1-Cyclopropyl- (2-Iodo-5-methanesulfonyl- 497.4 ethoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl- phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- methanone (compound 1.9) and methanone rac-1-cyclopropylethanol

EXAMPLE 2.3 Preparation of (2-Fluoro-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(5-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone

Compound 2.3 was prepared in analogy to Example 5 using 2-fluoro-5-(methylsulfonyl)benzoic acid [247569-56-8] and 1-(5-trifluoromethyl-2-pyridyl)piperazine [132834-58-3]. MS (m/e): 432.4 (M+H⁺, 100%).

EXAMPLE 105 Preparation of [5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1,1-dimethyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(5-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone

A solution of (2-fluoro-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(5-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (compound 2.3) (20 mg), 2-trifluoromethyl-2-propanol (0.053 mL), potassium carbonate or cesium carbonate (3 equivalents) in dimethylacetamide was heated at 150° C. for 30 min and then at 180° C. for 1 h in a microwave oven. After such time the reaction mixture was concentrated and purified by column chromatography (SiO₂) to yield the title compound as a light yellow solid (4.9 mg). MS (m/e): 540.3 (M+H⁺, 100%).

EXAMPLE 2.4 Preparation of (2-Isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl-methanone trifluoro-acetic acid

A solution of 2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.2, 1.0 g), tert-butyl 1-piperazinecarboxylate (0.78 g), TBTU (1.4 g) and N-ethyldiisopropylamine (4 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. After such time, the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and purified by column chromatography (SiO₂) to give 4-(2-Isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester as a colorless foam (1.6 g). The latter was dissolved in dichloromethane (11 mL) and treated with trifluoroacetic acid (4.2 mL) for 30 minutes. After such time the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo to yield the title compound (1.6 g) as light yellow oil. MS (m/e): 327.1 (M+H⁺, 100%).

EXAMPLE 2.5 Preparation of 4-Chloro-6-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine

6-Trifluoromethyl-pyrimidin-4-ol ([1546-78-7], 5 g) was refluxed in phosphorus oxychloride (17 mL) for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was carefully concentrated in vacuo and the residue was distilled (Kugelrohr) under reduced pressure (bp=30-55° C.@ 10 mbar) to yield the title compound ([37552-81-1], 1.4 g). MS (EI): 182.0 (M).

EXAMPLE 106 Preparation of (2-Isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(5-nitro-pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone

A solution of (2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl-methanone trifluoro-acetic acid (compound 2.4, 80 mg) 2-chloro-5-nitro-pyridine (29 mg), potassium carbonate (50 mg) in 1-butanol (3 mL) was stirred at 120° C. for 20 hours. After such time the solution was concentrated in vacuo, and purified by column chromatography (SiO2) to yield the title compound as white foam (81 mg). MS (m/e): 449.1 (M+H⁺, 100%).

EXAMPLE 107 Preparation of (2-Isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(6-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidin-4-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone

Example 107 was prepared in analogy to example 106 using 4-chloro-6-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine [37552-81-1]. MS (m/e): 473.1 (M+H⁺, 100%).

EXAMPLE 2.6 Preparation of 2-(4-fluorophenoxy)-5-nitrobenzoic acid

2-(4-Fluoro-phenoxy)-5-nitro-benzoic acid can be prepared by a similar method to that described in the literature (e.g. WO9938845) by reaction of 2-Chloro-5-nitro-benzoic acid ethyl ester [16588-17-3] with 4-Fluoro-phenol [371-35-7] yielding 2-(4-Fluoro-phenoxy)-5-nitro-benzoic acid ethyl ester. 2-(4-Fluoro-phenoxy)-5-nitro-benzoic acid ethyl ester can then be hydrolysed with sodium hydroxide for example to yield the title compound. MS (m/e): 276.1 (M+H⁺, 100%).

EXAMPLE 2.7 Preparation of 2,3-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro-acetic acid (a) 4-(4-Cyano-2,3-difluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

To a solution of N-Boc-piperazine (0.65 g) in DMA (20 mL) was slowly added a solution of 2,3,4-trifluorobenzonitrile (0.49 g) in DMA (10 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 hours at 80° C. After such time the solvent was removed in vacuo and purified by column chromatography (SiO₂) to yield the title compound as white solid (0.76 g).

(b) 2,3-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro-acetic acid

To a solution of 4-(4-Cyano-2,3-difluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (0.72 g) in dichloromethane (5 mL) was added trifluoroacetic acid, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. After such time the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo to yield the title compound (0.63 g). MS (m/e): 224.3 (M+H⁺, 100%).

EXAMPLE 2.8 Preparation of 2,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro-acetic acid

Example 2.8 was prepared in analogy to Example 2.7 using 2,4,5-trifluorobenzonitrile. MS (m/e): 224.3 (M+H⁺, 100%).

EXAMPLE 2.9 Preparation of 5-Methylsulfamoyl-2-trifluoromethoxy-benzoic acid (a) 5-Chlorosulfonyl-2-trifluoromethoxy-benzoic acid

A solution of 2-trifluoromethoxy benzoic acid [1979-29-9] (1.0 g) was added in small batches to chlorosulfonic acid (3.2 mL) at 0° C. After completion of the addition, the reaction mixture was stirred at 70° C. for 4 hours then left at room temperature overnight and heated at 75° C. for another 3 hours. After such time the reaction was slowly poured onto ice, and the precipitate was then filtered, washed with water and dried to yield the title compound as a white solid (1.2 g). MS (m/e): 303.3 (M−H, 100%).

(b) 5-Methylsulfamoyl-2-trifluoromethoxy-benzoic acid

To a solution of 5-Chlorosulfonyl-2-trifluoromethoxy-benzoic acid (0.15 g) in dichloromethane (1.5 ml) was added a solution of methylamine in methanol (8M, 0.31 mL), and the reaction mixture was stirred for 2 minutes after precipitation was complete. The reaction mixture was then concentrated in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in 1N NaOH (2 mL) and extracted with diethylether. The aqueous phase was then acidified using 3 N hydrochloric acid solution (2 mL), and the solution was extracted with dichloromethane (2×10 mL). The combined organic phases were dried with sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo to yield the title compound as a white solid (0.12 g). MS (m/e): 298.0 (M−H, 100%).

EXAMPLE 2.10 Preparation of 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(3,3,3-trifluoro-propoxy)-benzoic acid (a) 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(3,3,3-trifluoro-propoxy)-benzoic acid methyl ester

A solution of methyl 5-(methanesulfonyl)-salicylate [101371-44-2] (50 mg), triphenylphosphine (65 mg) 3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propanol and di-tert-butyl azodicarboxylate (55 mg) in THF (3 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was then concentrated in vacuo and purified by column chromatography (SiO₂) to yield the title compound as a white solid (65 mg). MS (m/e): 327.5 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(b) 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(3,3,3-trifluoro-propoxy)-benzoic acid

To 5-methanesulfonyl-2-(3,3,3-trifluoro-propoxy)-benzoic acid methyl ester (620 mg) in ethanol at 60° C. was added 1N NaOH solution (3.8 mL), and the reaction mixture was stirred for 15 minutes. After such time, 3.8 ml of 1N HCl was slowly added to the reaction mixture, and the ethanol was evaporated in vacuo. The precipitate was then washed with water several times to give the title compound (497 mg). MS (m/e): 311.0, M−H⁺, 100%).

EXAMPLE 2.11 Preparation of 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(tetrahydro-pyran-4-yloxy)-benzoic acid

Compound 2.11 was prepared in analogy to compound 2.10 using tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ol. MS (m/e): 299.4 (M−H, 100%).

EXAMPLE 2.12 Preparation of 2-Cyclobutylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid

Compound 2.12 was prepared in analogy to compound 2.10 using cyclobutyl methanol. MS (m/e): 299.4 (M−H, 100%).

EXAMPLE 2.13 Preparation of 3,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile trifluoro-acetic acid

Compound 2.13 was prepared in analogy to compound 2.7 using 3,4,5-trifluorobenzonitrile. MS (m/e): 224.1 (M+H⁺, 100%).

EXAMPLE 2.14 Preparation of 2,6-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile trifluoro-acetic acid

Compound 2.14 was prepared in analogy to compound 2.7 using 2,4,6-trifluorobenzonitrile. MS (m/e): 224.1 (M+H⁺, 100%).

EXAMPLE 2.15 Preparation of 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-trifluoromethoxy-benzoic acid (a) 5-Sulfino-2-trifluoromethoxy-benzoic acid

5-chlorosulfonyl-2-trifluoromethoxy-benzoic acid (1.0 g, compound 2.9.a) was added portionwise onto a solution of sodium sulfite (3.1 g) in 16 mL of water. The reaction mixture was kept under basic conditions by the addition of the proper amount of 20% NaOH and was stirred at room temperature for 45 minutes. After such time the reaction mixture was cooled down with an ice bath and was then acidified by the addition of 20% H₂SO₄ solution until reaching pH 2. The solution was then extracted several times with diethyl ether and ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were dried (sodium sulfate) and concentrated in vacuo to yield the title compound as a white solid (0.88 g).

(b) 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-trifluoromethoxy-benzoic acid

To 5-Sulfino-2-trifluoromethoxy-benzoic acid (0.82 g) in DMF (5 mL) was added 1.3 g of potassium carbonate, and the reaction mixture was stirred for 5 minutes before methyl iodide (0.66 mL) was added. The reaction mixture was then stirred at room temperature for 60 hours. After such time the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo, and the residue was treated with 1N NaOH (10 mL) and THF (4 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred for a further 2 hours at room temperature. After such time the solution was acidified with concentrated HCl solution. THF was then removed in vacuo, and the precipitate was isolated by filtration and washed several times with water to yield the title compound. MS (m/e): 283.0 (M−H, 100%).

EXAMPLE 2.16 Preparation of 2,4-Difluoro-6-piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile trifluoro-acetic acid

Compound 2.16 was prepared in analogy to compound 2.7 using 2,4,6-trifluorobenzonitrile of. MS (m/e): 224.1 (M+H⁺, 100%).

EXAMPLE 2.17 Preparation of 2-(2-Fluoro-1-fluoromethyl-ethoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid

Compound 2.17 was prepared in analogy to compound 2.10 using 1,3-difluoro-2-propanol. MS (m/e): 293.1 (M−H, 100%).

EXAMPLE 2.18 Preparation of 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-propoxy)-benzoic acid (a) 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-propoxy)-benzoic acid methyl ester

A solution of methyl 5-(methanesulfonyl)salicylate [101371-44-2] (0.50 g), trifluoro-methanesulfonic acid 2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-propyl ester (0.67 g) and potassium carbonate (0.60 g) in acetone was stirred at 60° C. for 5 hours. The reaction mixture was then concentrated in vacuo and purified by column chromatography (SiO₂) to yield the title compound as a white solid (0.44 g). MS (m/e): 363.1 (M+H⁺, 100%).

(b) 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-propoxy)-benzoic acid

To 5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-propoxy)-benzoic acid methyl ester (414 mg) in THF (5 mL) was added a solution of lithium hydroxide monohydrate (72 mg) in water (5 mL), and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. After such time 1.72 mL of 1N aqueous hydrochloric acid solution was added. The reaction mixture was then concentrated in vacuo, and the resulting precipitate was then washed several times with water to yield the title compound as a white solid (367 mg). MS (m/e): 347.1 (M−H, 100%).

EXAMPLE 2.19 Preparation of 2-tert-Butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (a) 2-tert-Butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid methyl ester

To a solution of methyl 5-(methanesulfonyl)-salicylate [101371-44-2] (0.50 g) in toluene (5 mL) was added N,N-dimethylformamide-di-tert-butylacetal, and the reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 1 hour. After such time the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and purified by column chromatography to yield the title compound as colourless oil (258 mg). MS (m/e): 304.4 (M+NH₄ ⁺, 100%).

(b) 2-tert-Butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid

To 2-tert-Butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid methyl ester (1.58 g) in THF (25 mL) was added a solution lithium hydroxide monohydrate (0.35 g) in water (25 mL), and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 hours. After such time, the THF was removed in vacuo and to the remaining aqueous solution was added 8 mL of 1N HCl solution, leading to precipitation of the compound. The precipitate was filtered off and washed several times with water to yield the title compound (1.00 g) as a white solid. MS (m/e): 289.9 (M+NH₄ ⁺).

EXAMPLE 2.20 Preparation of 1-(2,5-Difluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazine trifluoro-acetic acid (a) 2,4,5-Trifluoro-benzenesulfinic acid

2,4,5-Trifluoro-benzenesulfonyl chloride ([220227-21-4], 2.5 g) was added portionwise onto a solution of sodium sulfite (10.3 g) in 50 mL of water. The reaction mixture was kept under basic conditions by the addition of the proper amount of 20% NaOH and was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. Methanol was added to the reaction mixture, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for another hour. After such time, the reaction mixture was cooled down with an ice bath and was then acidified by the addition of 20% H₂SO₄ solution until reaching pH 2. The aqueous solution was then extracted several times with diethyl ether and ethyl acetate. The aqueous solution was further extracted with ethyl acetate using a Kutscher-Steudel apparatus (continuous extraction). The combined organic phases were dried (sodium sulfate) an concentrated in vacuo to yield the title compound as a white solid (2.1 g).

(b) 1,2,4-Trifluoro-5-methanesulfonyl-benzene

To 2,4,5-trifluoro-benzenesulfinic acid (2.0 g) in DMF (17 mL) was added 4.3 g of potassium carbonate, and the reaction mixture was stirred for 5 minutes before methyl iodide (2.2 mL) was added. The reaction mixture was then stirred at room temperature for 60 hours. After such time, water (30 mL) was poured onto the reaction mixture, and the reaction mixture was extracted with diethylether several times. The combined organic phases were dried with sodium sulfate, and the remaining mixture was distilled to yield the title compound as a light yellow oil (2.1 g).

(c) 1-(2,5-Difluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazine trifluoro-acetic acid

The title compound was obtained in analogy to example 2.7 using 1,2,4-Trifluoro-5-methanesulfonyl-benzene. MS (m/e): 277.1 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 2.21 Preparation of 1-(3,5-Difluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazine trifluoro-acetic acid

Compound 2.21 was prepared in analogy to compound 2.20 using 2,4,6-trifluoro-benzenesulfonyl chloride [172326-59-9]. MS (m/e): 277.1 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 2.22 Preparation of 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-propoxy)-benzoic acid

Compound 2.22 was prepared in analogy to compound 2.18 using 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propyl triflate. MS (m/e): 329.1 (M−H).

EXAMPLE 2.23 Preparation of 1-(2,6-Difluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazine trifluoro-acetic acid

Compound 2.23 was prepared in analogy to compound 2.20 using 3,4,5-trifluoro-benzenesulfonyl chloride [351003-43-5]. MS (m/e): 277.1 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 2.24 Preparation of 4-piperazin-1-yl-6-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine trifluoro-acetic acid

Compound 2.24 was prepared in analogy to compound 2.7 using 4-chloro-6-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine [37552-81-1]. MS (m/e): 233.1 (M+H⁺).

EXAMPLE 2.25 Preparation of 2-piperazin-1-yl-5-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine (a) 2-(4-Benzyl-piperazin-1-yl)-5-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine

To a solution of (3-Dimethylamino-2-trifluoromethyl-allylidene)-dimethyl-ammonium chloride ([176214-18-9], 0.60 g) in acetonitrile (10 mL) was added 4-Benzyl-piperazine-1-carboxamidine hydrochloride ([7773-69-5], 0.66 g) and triethylamine (0.87 mL), and the reaction mixture was stirred for 3 hours at room temperature. After such time, the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and purified by column chromatography to yield the title compound as a light yellow solid (0.79 g). MS (m/e): 323.4 (M+H⁺).

(b) 2-piperazin-1-yl-5-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine

To a solution of 2-(4-Benzyl-piperazin-1-yl)-5-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine (0.63 g) in methanol was added Palladium-C (Degussa E101N; 5%), and the reaction mixture was heated at 60° C. under hydrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was then allowed to cool down to room temperature, the catalyst was filtered off, and solvent was removed in vacuo to yield the title compound as a colorless solid (0.41 g). MS (m/e): 233.1 (M+H⁺).

In analogy to Example 5 compounds 108 to 280 of the following table were prepared from the acid derivatives and piperazine derivatives:

Expl.- MW found No. Systematic Name Starting materials (MH⁺) 108 [2-(4-Fluoro-phenoxy)- 1-(4-trifluoromethyl- 490.5 5-nitro-phenyl]- phenyl)piperazine and 2-(4- [4-(4-trifluoromethyl- fluorophenoxy)-5- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- nitrobenzoic acid methanone (compound 2.6) 109 2,3-Difluoro-4-[4-(2- 2,3-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 464.3 isopropoxy-5- yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro- methanesulfonyl- acetic acid (compound 2.7) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Isopropoxy-5- benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.2) 110 2,5-Difluoro-4-[4-(2- 2,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 464.1 isopropoxy-5- yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro- methanesulfonyl- acetic acid (compound 2.8) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Isopropoxy-5- benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.2) 111 3-[4-(4-Cyano-3-fluoro- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 487.1 phenyl)-piperazine-1- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) carbonyl]-N-methyl-4- and 5-Methylsulfamoyl-2- trifluoromethoxy- trifluoromethoxy-benzoic benzenesulfonamide acid (compound 2.9) 112 3-Fluoro-4-{4-[5- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 500.3 methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile (WO9625414) (3,3,3-trifluoro- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- propoxy)-benzoyl]- (3,3,3-trifluoro-propoxy)- piperazin-1-yl}- benzoic acid (compound benzonitrile 2.10) 113 4-{4-[5- 4-Piperazin-1-yl- 482.3 Methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile (commercial) (3,3,3-trifluoro- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- propoxy)-benzoyl]- (3,3,3-trifluoro-propoxy)- piperazin-1-yl}- benzoic acid (compound benzonitrile 2.10) 114 2-Fluoro-4-{4-[5- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 500.3 methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) (3,3,3-trifluoro- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- propoxy)-benzoyl]- (3,3,3-trifluoro-propoxy)- piperazin-1-yl}- benzoic acid (compound benzonitrile 2.10) 115 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl- 525.2 (3,3,3-trifluoro- phenyl)-piperazine propoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4- (commercial) and 5- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- Methanesulfonyl-2-(3,3,3- piperazin-1-yl]- trifluoro-propoxy)-benzoic methanone acid (compound 2.10) 116 [4-(3-Fluoro-4- 1-(3-Fluoro-4- 543.3 trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-[5- piperazine (compound 5.1) methanesulfonyl-2- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- (3,3,3-trifluoro- (3,3,3-trifluoro-propoxy)- propoxy)-phenyl]- benzoic acid (compound methanone 2.10) 117 [4-(2-Fluoro-4- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 543.2 trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-[5- piperazine (compound methanesulfonyl-2- 1.1) and 5-Methane- (3,3,3-trifluoro- sulfonyl-2-(3,3,3-trifluoro- propoxy)-phenyl]- propoxy)-benzoic acid methanone (compound 2.10) 118 1-(3-Fluoro-4-{4-[5- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1- 517.3 methanesulfonyl-2- yl-phenyl)-ethanone (3,3,3-trifluoro- (WO9714690) and 5- propoxy)-benzoyl]- Methanesulfonyl-2-(3,3,3- piperazin-1-yl}-phenyl)- trifluoro-propoxy)-benzoic ethanone acid (compound 2.10) 119 [4-(2-Fluoro-4- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 553.2 methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine (commercial) [5-methanesulfonyl-2- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- (3,3,3-trifluoro- (3,3,3-trifluoro-propoxy)- propoxy)-phenyl]- benzoic acid (compound methanone 2.10) 120 4-{4-[5- 4-Piperazin-1-yl- 470.0 Methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile (commercial) (tetrahydro-pyran-4- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- yloxy)-benzoyl]- (tetrahydro-pyran-4-yloxy)- piperazin-1-yl}- benzoic acid (compound benzonitrile 2.11) 121 2-Fluoro-4-{4-[5- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 488.1 methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) (tetrahydro-pyran-4- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- yloxy)-benzoyl]- (tetrahydro-pyran-4-yloxy)- piperazin-1-yl}- benzoic acid (compound benzonitrile 2.11) 122 3-Fluoro-4-{4-[5- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 488.0 methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile (WO9625414) (tetrahydro-pyran-4- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- yloxy)-benzoyl]- (tetrahydro-pyran-4-yloxy)- piperazin-1-yl}- benzoic acid (compound benzonitrile 2.11) 123 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl- 513.3 (tetrahydro-pyran-4- phenyl)-piperazine yloxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4- (commercial) and 5- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- Methanesulfonyl-2- piperazin-1-yl]- (tetrahydro-pyran-4-yloxy)- methanone benzoic acid (compound 2.11) 124 [4-(3-Fluoro-4- 1-(3-Fluoro-4- 531.0 trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-[5- piperazine (compound 5.1) methanesulfonyl-2- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- (tetrahydro-pyran-4- (tetrahydro-pyran-4-yloxy)- yloxy)-phenyl]- benzoic acid (compound methanone 2.11) 125 [4-(2-Fluoro-4- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 531.2 trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-[5- piperazine (compound methanesulfonyl-2- 1.1) and 5- (tetrahydro-pyran-4- Methanesulfonyl-2- yloxy)-phenyl]- (tetrahydro-pyran-4-yloxy)- methanone benzoic acid (compound 2.11) 126 1-(3-Fluoro-4-{4-[5- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1- 505.1 methanesulfonyl-2- yl-phenyl)-ethanone (tetrahydro-pyran-4- (WO9714690) and 5- yloxy)-benzoyl]- Methanesulfonyl-2- piperazin-1-yl}-phenyl)- (tetrahydro-pyran-4-yloxy)- ethanone benzoic acid (compound 2.11) 127 [4-(2-Fluoro-4- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 541.3 methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine (commercial) [5-methanesulfonyl-2- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- (tetrahydro-pyran-4- (tetrahydro-pyran-4-yloxy)- yloxy)-phenyl]- benzoic acid (compound methanone 2.11) 128 2,3-Difluoro-4-[4-(2- 2,3-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 478.1 isobutoxy-5- yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro- methanesulfonyl- acetic acid (compound 2.7) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Isobutoxy-5- benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.3) 129 4-[4-(2- 2,3-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 476.3 Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro- methanesulfonyl- acetic acid (compound 2.7) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Cyclopropylmethoxy- 2,3-difluoro-benzonitrile 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.4) 130 2,3-Difluoro-4-{4-[5- 2,3-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 506.4 methanesulfonyl-2- yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro- (tetrahydro-pyran-4- acetic acid (compound 2.7) yloxy)-benzoyl]- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- piperazin-1-yl}- (tetrahydro-pyran-4-yloxy)- benzonitrile benzoic acid (compound 2.11) 131 4-[4-(2-Cyclopentyloxy- 2,3-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 490.5 5-methanesulfonyl- yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro- benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- acetic acid (compound 2.7) 2,3-difluoro-benzonitrile and 2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- methanesulfonyl- benzoic acid (compound 1.6) 132 2,5-Difluoro-4-[4-(2- 2,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 478.4 isobutoxy-5- yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro- methanesulfonyl- acetic acid (compound 2.8) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Isobutoxy-5- benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.3) 133 4-[4-(2- 2,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 476.3 Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro- methanesulfonyl- acetic acid (compound 2.8) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Cyclopropylmethoxy- 2,5-difluoro-benzonitrile 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.4) 134 2,5-Difluoro-4-{4-[5- 2,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 506.4 methanesulfonyl-2- yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro- (tetrahydro-pyran-4- acetic acid (compound 2.8) yloxy)-benzoyl]- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- piperazin-1-yl}- (tetrahydro-pyran-4-yloxy)- benzonitrile benzoic acid (compound 2.11) 135 4-[4-(2-Cyclopentyloxy- 2,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 490.5 5-methanesulfonyl- yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro- benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- acetic acid (compound 2.8) 2,5-difluoro-benzonitrile and 2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- methanesulfonyl- benzoic acid (compound 1.6) 136 4-[4-(2- 4-Piperazin-1-yl- 454.6 Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- benzonitrile (commercial) methanesulfonyl- and 2-Cyclobutylmethoxy- benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic benzonitrile acid (compound 2.12) 137 4-[4-(2- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 472.3 Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) methanesulfonyl- and 2-Cyclobutylmethoxy- benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic 2-fluoro-benzonitrile acid (compound 2.12) 138 4-[4-(2- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 472.3 Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- benzonitrile (WO9625414) methanesulfonyl- and 2-Cyclobutylmethoxy- benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic 3-fluoro-benzonitrile acid (compound 2.12) 139 (2-Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl- 497.3 methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine phenyl)-[4-(4- (commercial) and 2- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 2.12) 140 (2-Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- 1-(3-Fluoro-4- 515.4 methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-[4-(3-fluoro-4- piperazine (compound 5.1) trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- and 2-Cyclobutylmethoxy- piperazin-1-yl]- 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 2.12) 141 (2-Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 515.4 methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4- piperazine (compound trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 1.1) and 2- piperazin-1-yl]- Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- methanone methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 2.12) 142 1-{4-[4-(2- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1- 489.5 Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- yl-phenyl)-ethanone methanesulfonyl- (WO9714690) and 2- benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- 3-fluoro-phenyl}- methanesulfonyl-benzoic ethanone acid (compound 2.12) 143 (2-Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 525.3 methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4- piperazine (commercial) methanesulfonyl- and 2-Cyclobutylmethoxy- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 2.12) 144 2-[4-(2- 2-Piperazin-1-yl-5- 522.4 Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- trifluoromethyl-benzonitrile methanesulfonyl- (compound 5.2) and 2- benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- 5-trifluoromethyl- methanesulfonyl-benzoic benzonitrile acid (compound 2.12) 145 4-[4-(2- 2,3-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 490.5 Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro- methanesulfonyl- acetic acid (compound 2.7) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Cyclobutylmethoxy- 2,3-difluoro-benzonitrile 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 2.12) 146 4-[4-(2- 2,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 490.5 Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro- methanesulfonyl- acetic acid (compound 2.8) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Cyclobutylmethoxy- 2,5-difluoro-benzonitrile 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 2.12) 147 4-[4-(2- 3,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 490.5 Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- yl-benzonitrile trifluoro- methanesulfonyl- acetic acid (compound 2.13) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Cyclobutylmethoxy- 3,5-difluoro-benzonitrile 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 2.12) 148 4-[4-(2- 2,6-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 490.5 Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- yl-benzonitrile trifluoro- methanesulfonyl- acetic acid (compound 2.14) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Cyclobutylmethoxy- 2,6-difluoro-benzonitrile 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 2.12) 149 2,5-Difluoro-4-{4-[5- 2,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 504.0 methanesulfonyl-2- yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro- (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- acetic acid (compound 2.8) benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- benzoic acid (compound 1.5) 150 2,3-Difluoro-4-{4-[5- 2,3-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 504.1 methanesulfonyl-2- yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro- (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- acetic acid (compound 2.7) benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- benzoic acid (compound 1.5) 151 2,5-Difluoro-4-[4-(5- 2,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 490.0 methanesulfonyl-2- yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro- trifluoromethoxy- acetic acid (compound 2.8) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile trifluoromethoxy-benzoic acid (compound 2.15) 152 4-[4-(5- 4-Piperazin-1-yl- 454.3 Methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile (commercial) trifluoromethoxy- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- trifluoromethoxy-benzoic benzonitrile acid (compound 2.15) 153 2-Fluoro-4-[4-(5- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 472.1 methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) trifluoromethoxy- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- trifluoromethoxy-benzoic benzonitrile acid (compound 2.15) 154 3-Fluoro-4-[4-(5- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 472.0 methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile (WO9625414) trifluoromethoxy- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- trifluoromethoxy-benzoic benzonitrile acid (compound 2.15) 155 (5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl- 514.2 (M + NH₄ ⁺) trifluoromethoxy- phenyl)-piperazine phenyl)-[4-(4- (commercial) and 5- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- Methanesulfonyl-2- piperazin-1-yl]- trifluoromethoxy-benzoic methanone acid (compound 2.15) 156 [4-(3-Fluoro-4- 1-(3-Fluoro-4- 532.2 (M + NH₄ ⁺) trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-(5- piperazine (compound 5.1) methanesulfonyl-2- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- trifluoromethoxy- trifluoromethoxy-benzoic phenyl)-methanone acid (compound 2.15) 157 [4-(2-Fluoro-4- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 515.3 trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-(5- piperazine (compound methanesulfonyl-2- 1.1) and 5- trifluoromethoxy- Methanesulfonyl-2- phenyl)-methanone trifluoromethoxy-benzoic acid (compound 2.15) 158 2,3-Difluoro-4-[4-(5- 2,3-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 507.4 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl-2- yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro- trifluoromethoxy- acetic acid (compound 2.7) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile trifluoromethoxy-benzoic acid (compound 2.15) 159 3,5-Difluoro-4-[4-(5- 3,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 507.3 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl-2- yl-benzonitrile trifluoro- trifluoromethoxy- acetic acid (compound 2.13) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile trifluoromethoxy-benzoic acid (compound 2.15) 160 2,6-Difluoro-4-[4-(5- 2,6-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 507.4 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl-2- yl-benzonitrile trifluoro- trifluoromethoxy- acetic acid (compound 2.14) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile trifluoromethoxy-benzoic acid (compound 2.15) 161 [4-(2-Fluoro-4- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 542.0 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine (commercial) (5-methanesulfonyl-2- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- trifluoromethoxy- trifluoromethoxy-benzoic phenyl)-methanone acid (compound 2.15) 162 2-[4-(5- 2-Piperazin-1-yl-5- 539.2 (M + NH₄ ⁺) Methanesulfonyl-2- trifluoromethyl-benzonitrile trifluoromethoxy- (compound 5.2)and 5- benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- Methanesulfonyl-2- 5-trifluoromethyl- trifluoromethoxy-benzoic benzonitrile acid (compound 2.15) 163 3,5-Difluoro-4-[4-(2- 3,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 464.1 isopropoxy-5- yl-benzonitrile trifluoro- methanesulfonyl- acetic acid (compound 2.13) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Isopropoxy-5- benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.2) 164 3,5-Difluoro-4-[4-(2- 3,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 478.0 isobutoxy-5- yl-benzonitrile trifluoro- methanesulfonyl- acetic acid (compound 2.13) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Isobutoxy-5- benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.3) 165 4-[4-(2- 3,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 476.1 Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- yl-benzonitrile trifluoro- methanesulfonyl- acetic acid (compound 2.13) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Cyclopropylmethoxy- 3,5-difluoro-benzonitrile 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.4) 166 3,5-Difluoro-4-{4-[5- 3,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 504.1 methanesulfonyl-2- yl-benzonitrile trifluoro- (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- acetic acid (compound 2.13) benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- benzoic acid (compound 1.5) 167 4-[4-(2-Cyclopentyloxy- 3,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 490.3 5-methanesulfonyl- yl-benzonitrile trifluoro- benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- acetic acid (compound 2.13) 3,5-difluoro-benzonitrile and 2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- methanesulfonyl- benzoic acid (compound 1.6) 168 2,6-Difluoro-4-[4-(2- 2,6-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 481.1 (M + NH₄ ⁺) isopropoxy-5- yl-benzonitrile trifluoro- methanesulfonyl- acetic acid (compound 2.14) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Isopropoxy-5- benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.2) 169 2,6-Difluoro-4-[4-(2- 2,6-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 495.0 (M + NH₄ ⁺) isobutoxy-5- yl-benzonitrile trifluoro- methanesulfonyl- acetic acid (compound 2.14) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Isobutoxy-5- benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.3) 170 4-[4-(2- 2,6-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 493.0 (M + NH₄ ⁺) Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- yl-benzonitrile trifluoro- methanesulfonyl- acetic acid (compound 2.14) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Cyclopropylmethoxy- 2,6-difluoro-benzonitrile 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.4) 171 2,6-Difluoro-4-{4-[5- 2,6-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 521.3 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl-2- yl-benzonitrile trifluoro- (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- acetic acid (compound 2.14) benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- benzoic acid (compound 1.5) 172 4-[4-(2-Cyclopentyloxy- 2,6-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 507.3 (M + NH₄ ⁺) 5-methanesulfonyl- yl-benzonitrile trifluoro- benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- acetic acid (compound 2.14) 2,6-difluoro-benzonitrile and 2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- methanesulfonyl- benzoic acid (compound 1.6) 173 2,4-Difluoro-6-[4-(2- 2,4-Difluoro-6-piperazin-1- 581.4 (M + NH₄ ⁺) isopropoxy-5- yl-benzonitrile trifluoro- methanesulfonyl- acetic acid (compound 2.16) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Isopropoxy-5- benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.2) 174 2-Fluoro-4-{4-[2-(2- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 482.3 fluoro-1-fluoromethyl- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) ethoxy)-5- and 2-(2-Fluoro-1- methanesulfonyl- fluoromethyl-ethoxy)-5- benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- methanesulfonyl-benzoic benzonitrile acid (compound 2.17) 175 3-Fluoro-4-{4-[2-(2- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 482.4 fluoro-1-fluoromethyl- benzonitrile (WO9625414) ethoxy)-5- and 2-(2-Fluoro-1- methanesulfonyl- fluoromethyl-ethoxy)-5- benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- methanesulfonyl-benzoic benzonitrile acid (compound 2.17) 176 2,3-Difluoro-4-{4-[2-(2- 2,3-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 500.3 fluoro-1-fluoromethyl- yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro- ethoxy)-5- acetic acid (compound 2.7) methanesulfonyl- and 2-(2-Fluoro-1- benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- fluoromethyl-ethoxy)-5- benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 2.17) 177 2,5-Difluoro-4-{4-[2-(2- 2,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 500.3 fluoro-1-fluoromethyl- yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro- ethoxy)-5- acetic acid (compound 2.8) methanesulfonyl- and 2-(2-Fluoro-1- benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- fluoromethyl-ethoxy)-5- benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 2.17) 178 3,5-Difluoro-4-{4-[2-(2- 3,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 500.3 fluoro-1-fluoromethyl- yl-benzonitrile trifluoro- ethoxy)-5- acetic acid (compound 2.13) methanesulfonyl- and 2-(2-Fluoro-1- benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- fluoromethyl-ethoxy)-5- benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 2.17) 179 2,6-Difluoro-4-{4-[2-(2- 2,6-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 500.3 fluoro-1-fluoromethyl- yl-benzonitrile trifluoro- ethoxy)-5- acetic acid (compound 2.14) methanesulfonyl- and 2-(2-Fluoro-1- benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- fluoromethyl-ethoxy)-5- benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 2.17) 180 2-Fluoro-4-{4-[5- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 536.3 methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) (2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- propoxy)-benzoyl]- (2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro- piperazin-1-yl}- propoxy)-benzoic acid benzonitrile (compound 2.18) 181 3-Fluoro-4-{4-[5- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 536.3 methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile (WO9625414) (2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- propoxy)-benzoyl]- (2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro- piperazin-1-yl}- propoxy)-benzoic acid benzonitrile (compound 2.18) 182 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl- 561.3 (2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro- phenyl)-piperazine propoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4- (commercial) and 5- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- Methanesulfonyl-2- piperazin-1-yl]- (2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro- methanone propoxy)-benzoic acid (compound 2.18) 183 [4-(3-Fluoro-4- 1-(3-Fluoro-4- 579.0 trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-[5- piperazine (compound 5.1) methanesulfonyl-2- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- (2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro- (2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro- propoxy)-phenyl]- propoxy)-benzoic acid methanone (compound 2.18) 184 2,3-Difluoro-4-{4-[5- 2,3-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 554.0 methanesulfonyl-2- yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro- (2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro- acetic acid (compound 2.7) propoxy)-benzoyl]- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- piperazin-1-yl}- (2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro- benzonitrile propoxy)-benzoic acid (compound 2.18) 185 2,5-Difluoro-4-{4-[5- 2,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 554.0 methanesulfonyl-2- yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro- (2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro- acetic acid (compound 2.8) propoxy)-benzoyl]- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- piperazin-1-yl}- (2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro- benzonitrile propoxy)-benzoic acid (compound 2.18) 186 3,5-Difluoro-4-{4-[5- 3,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 554.0 methanesulfonyl-2- yl-benzonitrile trifluoro- (2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro- acetic acid (compound 2.13) propoxy)-benzoyl]- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- piperazin-1-yl}- (2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro- benzonitrile propoxy)-benzoic acid (compound 2.18) 187 2,6-Difluoro-4-{4-[5- 2,6-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 571.2 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl-2- yl-benzonitrile trifluoro- (2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro- acetic acid (compound 2.14) propoxy)-benzoyl]- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- piperazin-1-yl}- (2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro- benzonitrile propoxy)-benzoic acid (compound 2.18) 188 [4-(2-Fluoro-4- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 589.3 methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine (commercial) [5-methanesulfonyl-2- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- (2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro- (2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro- propoxy)-phenyl]- propoxy)-benzoic acid methanone (compound 2.18) 189 4-{4-[2-(2-Fluoro-1- 4-Piperazin-1-yl- 464.1 fluoromethyl-ethoxy)-5- benzonitrile (commercial) methanesulfonyl- and 2-(2-Fluoro-1- benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- fluoromethyl-ethoxy)-5- benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 2.17) 190 [2-(2-Fluoro-1- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl- 507.3 fluoromethyl-ethoxy)-5- phenyl)-piperazine methanesulfonyl- (commercial) and 2-(2- phenyl]-[4-(4- Fluoro-1-fluoromethyl- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- ethoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl- piperazin-1-yl]- benzoic acid (compound methanone 2.17) 191 [2-(2-Fluoro-1- 1-(3-Fluoro-4- 525.2 fluoromethyl-ethoxy)-5- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- methanesulfonyl- piperazine (compound 5.1) phenyl]-[4-(3-fluoro-4- and 2-(2-Fluoro-1- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- fluoromethyl-ethoxy)-5- piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 2.17) 192 [2-(2-Fluoro-1- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 525.0 fluoromethyl-ethoxy)-5- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- methanesulfonyl- piperazine (compound phenyl]-[4-(2-fluoro-4- 1.1) and 2-(2-Fluoro-1- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- fluoromethyl-ethoxy)-5- piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 2.17) 193 [2-(2-Fluoro-1- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 535.3 fluoromethyl-ethoxy)-5- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- methanesulfonyl- piperazine (commercial) phenyl]-[4-(2-fluoro-4- and 2-(2-Fluoro-1- methanesulfonyl- fluoromethyl-ethoxy)-5- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 2.17) 194 2-{4-[2-(2-Fluoro-1- 2-Piperazin-1-yl-5- 532.2 fluoromethyl-ethoxy)-5- trifluoromethyl-benzonitrile methanesulfonyl- (compound 5.2) and 2-(2- benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- Fluoro-1-fluoromethyl- 5-trifluoromethyl- ethoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl- benzonitrile benzoic acid (compound 2.17) 195 [4-(2,3-Difluoro-4- 1-(2,3-Difluoro-4- 553.2 methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine (compound 5.3) [2-(2-fluoro-1- and 2-(2-Fluoro-1- fluoromethyl-ethoxy)-5- fluoromethyl-ethoxy)-5- methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-benzoic phenyl]-methanone acid (compound 2.17) 196 4-[4-(2-tert-Butoxy-5- 2,3-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 478.3 methanesulfonyl- yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro- benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- acetic acid (compound 2.7) 2,3-difluoro-benzonitrile and 2-tert-Butoxy-5- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 2.19) 197 [4-(2,5-Difluoro-4- 1-(2,5-Difluoro-4- 534.3 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine trifluoro-acetic (2-isopropoxy-5- acid (compound 2.20) and methanesulfonyl- 2-Isopropoxy-5- phenyl)-methanone methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.2) 198 [4-(3,5-Difluoro-4- 1-(3,5-Difluoro-4- 534.3 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine trifluoro-acetic (2-isopropoxy-5- acid (compound 2.21) and methanesulfonyl- 2-Isopropoxy-5- phenyl)-methanone methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.2) 199 2-[4-(2-Isopropoxy-5- 2-Piperazin-1-yl- 428.5 methanesulfonyl- benzonitrile (commercial) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Isopropoxy-5- benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.2) 200 [4-(2-Fluoro-phenyl)- 1-(2-Fluoro-phenyl)- 421.3 piperazin-1-yl]-(2- piperazine (commercial) isopropoxy-5- and 2-Isopropoxy-5- methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-benzoic phenyl)-methanone acid (compound 1.2) 201 [4-(4-Chloro-phenyl)- 1-(4-Chloro-phenyl)- 437.3 piperazin-1-yl]-(2- piperazine (commercial) isopropoxy-5- and 2-Isopropoxy-5- methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-benzoic phenyl)-methanone acid (compound 1.2) 202 5-Chloro-2-[4-(2- 5-Chloro-2-piperazin-1-yl- 462.1 isopropoxy-5- benzonitrile (WO9625414) methanesulfonyl- and 2-Isopropoxy-5- benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic benzonitrile acid (compound 1.2) 203 [4-(4-Chloro-2-fluoro- 1-(4-Chloro-2-fluoro- 455.4 phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- phenyl)-piperazine (2-isopropoxy-5- hydrochloride (commercial) methanesulfonyl- and 2-Isopropoxy-5- phenyl)-methanone methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.2) 204 [4-(4-Chloro-3- 1-(4-Chloro-3- 505.3 trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-(2- piperazine (commercial) isopropoxy-5- and 2-Isopropoxy-5- methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-benzoic phenyl)-methanone acid (compound 1.2) 205 [4-(3,4-Dichloro- 1-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)- 471.0 phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine (commercial) (2-isopropoxy-5- and 2-Isopropoxy-5- methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-benzoic phenyl)-methanone acid (compound 1.2) 206 [4-(2-Fluoro-4-methyl- 1-(2-Fluoro-4-methyl- 435.3 phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- phenyl)-piperazine (2-isopropoxy-5- (compound 5.4) and 2- methanesulfonyl- Isopropoxy-5- phenyl)-methanone methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.2) 207 rac-2,3-Difluoro-4-{4-[5- 2,3-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 535.3 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl-2- yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- acetic acid (compound 2.7) methyl-ethoxy)- and rac-5-Methanesulfonyl- benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- benzonitrile ethoxy)-benzoic acid (compound 3.1) 208 (2-Isopropoxy-5- 1-(4-Trifluoromethoxy- 487.3 methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine phenyl)-[4-(4- (WO03007954) and 2- trifluoromethoxy- Isopropoxy-5- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 1.2) 209 2-Fluoro-4-{4-[5- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 535.3 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) (2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- propoxy)-benzoyl]- (2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro- piperazin-1-yl}- propoxy)-benzoic acid benzonitrile (compound 2.22) 210 3-Fluoro-4-{4-[5- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 535.5 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile (WO9625414) (2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- propoxy)-benzoyl]- (2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro- piperazin-1-yl}- propoxy)-benzoic acid benzonitrile (compound 2.22) 211 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl- 560.3 (M + NH₄ ⁺) (2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro- phenyl)-piperazine propoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4- (commercial) and 5- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3- piperazin-1-yl]- tetrafluoro-propoxy)- methanone benzoic acid (compound 2.22) 212 [4-(2-Fluoro-4- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 578.2 (M + NH₄ ⁺) trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-[5- piperazine (compound methanesulfonyl-2- 1.1) and 5- (2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3- propoxy)-phenyl]- tetrafluoro-propoxy)- methanone benzoic acid (compound 2.22) 213 2,3-Difluoro-4-{4-[5- 2,3-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 553.2 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl-2- yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro- (2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro- acetic acid (compound 2.7) propoxy)-benzoyl]- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- piperazin-1-yl}- (2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro- benzonitrile propoxy)-benzoic acid (compound 2.22) 214 2,5-Difluoro-4-{4-[5- 2,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 553.2 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl-2- yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro- (2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro- acetic acid (compound 2.8) propoxy)-benzoyl]- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- piperazin-1-yl}- (2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro- benzonitrile propoxy)-benzoic acid (compound 2.22) 215 3,5-Difluoro-4-{4-[5- 3,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 553.0 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl-2- yl-benzonitrile trifluoro- (2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro- acetic acid (compound 2.13) propoxy)-benzoyl]- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- piperazin-1-yl}- (2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro- benzonitrile propoxy)-benzoic acid (compound 2.22) 216 2,6-Difluoro-4-{4-[5- 2,6-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 553.2 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl-2- yl-benzonitrile trifluoro- (2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro- acetic acid (compound 2.14) propoxy)-benzoyl]- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- piperazin-1-yl}- (2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro- benzonitrile propoxy)-benzoic acid (compound 2.22) 217 [4-(2-Fluoro-4- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 588.3 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine (commercial) [5-methanesulfonyl-2- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- (2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro- (2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro- propoxy)-phenyl]- propoxy)-benzoic acid methanone (compound 2.22) 218 [4-(2,6-Difluoro-4- 1-(2,6-Difluoro-4- 517.3 methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine trifluoro-acetic (2-isopropoxy-5- acid (compound 2.23) and methanesulfonyl- 2-Isopropoxy-5- phenyl)-methanone methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.2) 219 3-Chloro-4-[4-(2- 3-Chloro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 462.3 isopropoxy-5- benzonitrile (WO 9625414) methanesulfonyl- and 2-Isopropoxy-5- benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic benzonitrile acid (compound 1.2) 220 [4-(2-Chloro-4-nitro- 1-(2-Chloro-4-nitro- 482.3 phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- phenyl)-piperazine (EP (2-isopropoxy-5- 257864) and 2-Isopropoxy- methanesulfonyl- 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic phenyl)-methanone acid (compound 1.2) 221 3-[4-(2-Isopropoxy-5- 3-Piperazin-1-yl- 428.4 methanesulfonyl- benzonitrile (WO02068399) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Isopropoxy-5- benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.2) 222 [4-(3,5-Dichloro- 1-(3,5-Dichloro-pyridin-4- 474.0 pyridin-4-yl)-piperazin- yl)-piperazine (commercial) 1-yl]-(2-isopropoxy-5- and 2-Isopropoxy-5- methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-benzoic phenyl)-methanone acid (compound 1.2) 223 5-Chloro-2-{4-[5- 5-Chloro-2-piperazin-1-yl- 502.1 methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile (WO9625414) (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- benzonitrile benzoic acid (compound 1.5) 224 [4-(4-Chloro-2-fluoro- 1-(4-Chloro-2-fluoro- 495.4 phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- phenyl)-piperazine [5-methanesulfonyl-2- hydrochloride (commercial) (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- phenyl]-methanone (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- benzoic acid (compound 1.5) 225 [4-(4-Chloro-3- 1-(4-Chloro-3- 545.3 trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-[5- piperazine (commercial) methanesulfonyl-2- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- phenyl]-methanone benzoic acid (compound 1.5) 226 [4-(2,5-Difluoro-4- 1-(2,5-Difluoro-4- 574.3 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine trifluoro-acetic [5-methanesulfonyl-2- acid (compound 2.20) and (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- phenyl]-methanone trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic acid (compound 1.5) 227 [4-(2,6-Difluoro-4- 1-(2,6-Difluoro-4- 557.4 methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine trifluoro-acetic [5-methanesulfonyl-2- acid (compound 2.23) and (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- phenyl]-methanone trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic acid (compound 1.5) 228 5-Chloro-2-[4-(2- 5-Chloro-2-piperazin-1-yl- 474.1 cyclopropylmethoxy-5- benzonitrile (WO9625414) methanesulfonyl- and 2-Cyclopropylmethoxy- benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic benzonitrile acid (compound 1.4) 229 [4-(4-Chloro-2-fluoro- 1-(4-Chloro-2-fluoro- 467.3 phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- phenyl)-piperazine (2-cyclopropylmethoxy- hydrochloride (commercial) 5-methanesulfonyl- and 2-Cyclopropylmethoxy- phenyl)-methanone 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.4) 230 (2-Cyclopropylmethoxy- 1-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)- 483.3 5-methanesulfonyl- piperazine (commercial) phenyl)-[4-(3,4- and 2-Cyclopropylmethoxy- dichloro-phenyl)- 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic piperazin-1-yl]- acid (compound 1.4) methanone 231 [4-(4-Chloro-3- 1-(4-Chloro-3- 517.0 trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-(2- piperazine (commercial) cyclopropylmethoxy-5- and 2-Cyclopropylmethoxy- methanesulfonyl- 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic phenyl)-methanone acid (compound 1.4) 232 (2-Cyclopropylmethoxy- 1-(2,5-Difluoro-4- 546.3 (M + NH₄ ⁺) 5-methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-[4-(2,5-difluoro- piperazine trifluoro-acetic 4-methanesulfonyl- acid (compound 2.20) and phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- 2-Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- methanone methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.4) 233 (2-Cyclopropylmethoxy- 1-(2,6-Difluoro-4- 546.3 (M + NH₄ ⁺) 5-methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-[4-(2,6-difluoro- piperazine trifluoro-acetic 4-methanesulfonyl- acid (compound 2.23) and phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- 2-Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- methanone methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.4) 234 4-[4-(2-tert-Butoxy-5- 2,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 478.1 methanesulfonyl- yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro- benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- acetic acid (compound 2.8) 2,5-difluoro-benzonitrile and 2-tert-Butoxy-5- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 2.19) 235 4-[4-(2-tert-Butoxy-5- 3,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 478.1 methanesulfonyl- yl-benzonitrile trifluoro- benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- acetic acid (compound 2.13) 3,5-difluoro-benzonitrile and 2-tert-Butoxy-5- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 2.19) 236 4-[4-(2-tert-Butoxy-5- 2,6-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 478.1 methanesulfonyl- yl-benzonitrile trifluoro- benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- acetic acid (compound 2.14) 2,6-difluoro-benzonitrile and 2-tert-Butoxy-5- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 2.19) 237 (2-tert-Butoxy-5- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 530.2 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4- piperazine (commercial) methanesulfonyl- and 2-tert-Butoxy-5- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 2.19) 238 2-[4-(2-tert-Butoxy-5- 2-Piperazin-1-yl-5- 527.3 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl-benzonitrile benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 5.2) and 2-tert- 5-trifluoromethyl- Butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- benzonitrile benzoic acid (compound 2.19) 239 (2-tert-Butoxy-5- 1-(2,3-Difluoro-4- 548.3 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-[4-(2,3-difluoro- piperazine (compound 5.3) 4-methanesulfonyl- and 2-tert-Butoxy-5- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 2.19) 240 (2-tert-Butoxy-5- 1-(3-Chloro-5- 520.3 methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2- phenyl)-[4-(3-chloro-5- yl)-piperazine (commercial) trifluoromethyl-pyridin- and 2-tert-Butoxy-5- 2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 2.19) 241 (2-tert-Butoxy-5- 1-(5-Chloro-pyridin-2-yl)- 452.3 methanesulfonyl- piperazine (WO01062751) phenyl)-[4-(5-chloro- and 2-tert-Butoxy-5- pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- methanesulfonyl-benzoic 1-yl]-methanone acid (compound 2.19) 242 (2-tert-Butoxy-5- 1-(5-Trifluoromethyl- 486.4 methanesulfonyl- pyridin-2-yl)- phenyl)-[4-(5- piperazine (commercial) trifluoromethyl-pyridin- and 2-tert-Butoxy-5- 2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 2.19) 243 4-[4-(2-tert-Butoxy-5- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 460.3 methanesulfonyl- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-tert-Butoxy-5- 2-fluoro-benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 2.19) 244 4-[4-(2-tert-Butoxy-5- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 460.3 methanesulfonyl- benzonitrile (WO9625414) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-tert-Butoxy-5- 3-fluoro-benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 2.19) 245 (2-tert-Butoxy-5- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl- 485.5 methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine phenyl)-[4-(4- (commercial) and 2-tert- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- Butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- piperazin-1-yl]- benzoic acid (compound methanone 2.19) 246 (2-tert-Butoxy-5- 1-(3-Fluoro-4- 503.1 methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-[4-(3-fluoro-4- piperazine (compound 5.1) trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- and 2-tert-Butoxy-5- piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 2.19) 247 (2-tert-Butoxy-5- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 503.3 methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4- piperazine (compound 1.1) trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- and 2-tert-Butoxy-5- piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 2.19) 248 6-[4-(2-tert-Butoxy-5- 6-Piperazin-1-yl- 443.4 methanesulfonyl- nicotinonitrile benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- (commercial) and 2-tert- nicotinonitrile Butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- benzoic acid (compound 2.19) 249 (2-tert-Butoxy-5- 1-(2,5-Difluoro-4- 548.3 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-[4-(2,5-difluoro- piperazine trifluoro-acetic 4-methanesulfonyl- acid (compound 2.20) and phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- 2-tert-Butoxy-5- methanone methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 2.19) 250 (2-tert-Butoxy-5- 1-(2,6-Difluoro-4- 548.3 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-[4-(2,6-difluoro- piperazine trifluoro-acetic 4-methanesulfonyl- acid (compound 2.23) and phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- 2-tert-Butoxy-5- methanone methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 2.19) 251 [4-(3,4-Dichloro- 1-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)- 511.0 phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine (commercial) [5-methanesulfonyl-2- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- phenyl]-methanone benzoic acid (compound 1.5) 252 2-[4-(2-Isopropoxy-5- 2-Piperazin-1-yl- 429.5 methanesulfonyl- nicotinonitrile benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- (commercial) and 2- nicotinonitrile Isopropoxy-5- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.2) 253 (2-Isopropoxy-5- 2-Piperazin-1-yl-4- 473.0 methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl- phenyl)-[4-(4- pyrimidine (commercial) trifluoromethyl- and 2-Isopropoxy-5- pyrimidin-2-yl)- methanesulfonyl-benzoic piperazin-1-yl]- acid (compound 1.2) methanone 254 rac-[4-(2,5-Difluoro-4- 1-(2,5-Difluoro-4- 571.0 methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine trifluoro-acetic [5-methanesulfonyl-2- acid (compound 2.20) and (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- rac-5-Methanesulfonyl-2- methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- methanone ethoxy)-benzoic acid (compound 3.1) 255 rac-[4-(2,6-Difluoro-4- 1-(2,6-Difluoro-4- 571.2 methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine trifluoro-acetic [5-methanesulfonyl-2- acid (compound 2.23) and (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- rac-5-Methanesulfonyl-2- methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- methanone ethoxy)-benzoic acid (compound 3.1) 256 rac-5-Chloro-2-{4-[5- 5-Chloro-2-piperazin-1-yl- 516.2 methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile (WO9625414) (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- and rac-5-Methanesulfonyl- methyl-ethoxy)- 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- ethoxy)-benzoic acid benzonitrile (compound 3.1) 257 rac-[4-(4-Chloro-2- 1-(4-Chloro-2-fluoro- 509.3 fluoro-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazine piperazin-1-yl]-[5- hydrochloride (commercial) methanesulfonyl-2- and rac-5-Methanesulfonyl- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- ethoxy)-benzoic acid methanone (compound 3.1) 258 rac-[4-(3,4-Dichloro- 1-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)- 525.2 phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine (commercial) [5-methanesulfonyl-2- and rac-5-Methanesulfonyl- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- ethoxy)-benzoic acid methanone (compound 3.1) 259 rac-[4-(4-Chloro-3- 1-(4-Chloro-3- 559.0 trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-[5- piperazine (commercial) methanesulfonyl-2- and rac-5-Methanesulfonyl- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- ethoxy)-benzoic acid methanone (compound 3.1) 260 rac-3,5-Difluoro-4-{4-[5- 3,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 518.2 methanesulfonyl-2- yl-benzonitrile trifluoro- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- acetic acid (compound 2.13) methyl-ethoxy)- and rac-5-Methanesulfonyl- benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- benzonitrile ethoxy)-benzoic acid (compound 3.1) 261 rac-2,5-Difluoro-4-{4-[5- 2,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 518.0 methanesulfonyl-2- yl-benzonitrile-trifluoro- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- acetic acid (compound 2.8) methyl-ethoxy)- and rac-5-Methanesulfonyl- benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- benzonitrile ethoxy)-benzoic acid (compound 3.1) 262 rac-2,6-Difluoro-4-{4-[5- 2,6-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1- 517.8 methanesulfonyl-2- yl-benzonitrile trifluoro- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- acetic acid (compound 2.14) methyl-ethoxy)- and rac-5-Methanesulfonyl- benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- benzonitrile ethoxy)-benzoic acid (compound 3.1) 263 (2-Cyclopropylmethoxy- 2-Piperazin-1-yl-4- 485.1 5-methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine phenyl)-[4-(4- (commercial) and 2- trifluoromethyl- Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- pyrimidin-2-yl)- methanesulfonyl-benzoic piperazin-1-yl]- acid (compound 1.4) methanone 264 (2-Isopropoxy-5- 4-Piperazin-1-yl-2- 473.1 methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine phenyl)-[4-(2- trifluoro-acetic acid trifluoromethyl- (WO030249) and 2- pyrimidin-4-yl)- Isopropoxy-5- piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 1.2) 265 (2-tert-Butoxy-5- 1-(3-Fluoro-5- 504.0 methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2- phenyl)-[4-(3-fluoro-5- yl)-piperazine (compound trifluoromethyl-pyridin- 5.5) and 2-tert-Butoxy-5- 2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 2.19) 266 (2-tert-Butoxy-5- 2-Piperazin-1-yl-4- 487.1 methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl- phenyl)-[4-(4- pyrimidine (commercial) trifluoromethyl- and 2-tert-Butoxy-5- pyrimidin-2-yl)- methanesulfonyl-benzoic piperazin-1-yl]- acid (compound 2.19) methanone 267 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 2-Piperazin-1-yl-4- 513.3 (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- trifluoromethyl- phenyl]-[4-(4- pyrimidine (commercial) trifluoromethyl- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- pyrimidin-2-yl)- (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- piperazin-1-yl]- benzoic acid (compound methanone 1.5) 268 rac-[5-Methanesulfonyl- 2-Piperazin-1-yl-4- 527.0 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1- trifluoromethyl- methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- pyrimidine (commercial) [4-(4-trifluoromethyl- and rac-5-Methanesulfonyl- pyrimidin-2-yl)- 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- piperazin-1-yl]- ethoxy)-benzoic acid methanone (compound 3.1) 269 [4-(2,5-Difluoro-4- 1-(2,5-Difluoro-4- 571.0 methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine trifluoro-acetic [5-methanesulfonyl-2- acid and 5- ((S)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1- Methanesulfonyl-2-((S)- methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- 2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- methanone ethoxy)-benzoic acid (compound 5.6) 270 [4-(2,5-Difluoro-4- 1-(2,5-Difluoro-4- 571.0 methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine trifluoro-acetic [5-methanesulfonyl-2- acid (compound 2.20) and ((R)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1- 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-((R)- methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- 2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- methanone ethoxy)-benzoic acid (compound 5.7) 271 [4-(2,6-Difluoro-4- 1-(2,6-Difluoro-4- 571.2 methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine trifluoro-acetic [5-methanesulfonyl-2- acid (compound 2.23) and ((S)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1- 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-((S)- methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- 2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- methanone ethoxy)-benzoic acid (compound 5.6) 272 [4-(2,6-Difluoro-4- 1-(2,6-Difluoro-4- 571.2 methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine trifluoro-acetic [5-methanesulfonyl-2- acid (compound 2.23) and ((R)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1- 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-((R)- methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- 2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- methanone ethoxy)-benzoic acid (compound 5.7) 273 rac-[5-Methanesulfonyl- 4-Piperazin-1-yl-2- 527.0 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1- trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- trifluoro-acetic acid [4-(2-trifluoromethyl- (WO030249) and rac-5- pyrimidin-4-yl)- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- piperazin-1-yl]- trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)- methanone benzoic acid (compound 3.1) 274 rac-[5-Methanesulfonyl- 4-Piperazin-1-yl-6- 527.2 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1- trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- trifluoro-acetic acid [4-(6-trifluoromethyl- (compound 2.24) and rac-5- pyrimidin-4-yl)- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- piperazin-1-yl]- trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)- methanone benzoic acid (compound 3.1) 275 rac-[5-Methanesulfonyl- 2-Piperazin-1-yl-5- 527.2 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1- trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- (compound 2.25) and rac-5- [4-(5-trifluoromethyl- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- pyrimidin-2-yl)- trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)- piperazin-1-yl]- benzoic acid (compound methanone 3.1) 276 (2-Isopropoxy-5- 2-Piperazin-1-yl-5- 473.1 methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine phenyl)-[4-(5- (compound 2.25) and 2- trifluoromethyl- Isopropoxy-5- pyrimidin-2-yl)- methanesulfonyl-benzoic piperazin-1-yl]- acid (compound 1.2) methanone 277 (2-Cyclopropylmethoxy- 4-Piperazin-1-yl-2- 485.1 5-methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine phenyl)-[4-(2- trifluoro-acetic acid trifluoromethyl- (WO030249) and 2- pyrimidin-4-yl)- Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 1.4) 278 (2-Cyclopropylmethoxy- 4-Piperazin-1-yl-6- 485.5 5-methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine phenyl)-[4-(6- trifluoro-acetic acid trifluoromethyl- (compound 2.24) and 2- pyrimidin-4-yl)- Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 1.4) 279 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 4-Piperazin-1-yl-2- 513.3 (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine phenyl]-[4-(2- trifluoro-acetic acid trifluoromethyl- (WO030249) and 5- pyrimidin-4-yl)- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- piperazin-1-yl]- trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic methanone acid (compound 1.5) 280 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 4-Piperazin-1-yl-6- 513.3 (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine phenyl]-[4-(6- trifluoro-acetic acid trifluoromethyl- (compound 2.24) and 5- pyrimidin-4-yl)- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- piperazin-1-yl]- trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic methanone acid (compound 1.5)

In analogy to Example 1.2 (b) compounds 3.1 to 3.5 of the following table were prepared from 2-chloro-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid and the appropriate alcohol:

Expl. No Compound Name Alcohol MS (m/e) 3.1 rac-5-Methanesulfonyl- rac-1,1,1-Trifluoro- 311.3 (MH−) 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1- propan-2-ol methyl ethoxy)-benzoic acid (compound 3.1) 3.2 2-Cyclohexyloxy-5- Cyclohexanol 297.3 (MH−) methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 3.2) 3.3 2-(2,2-Dimethyl- 2,2-Dimethyl-propan-1- 285.1 (MH−) propoxy)-5- ol methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 3.3) 3.4 2-Cyclobutoxy-5- cyclobutanol 269.3 (MH−) methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 3.4) 3.5 rac-2-sec-Butoxy-5- Butan-2-ol 271.4 (MH−) methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 3.5)

In analogy to Example 5 compounds 281 to 326 of the following table were prepared from the acid derivatives and piperazine derivatives.

MW found Expl.-No. Systematic Name Starting materials (MH⁺) 281 1-{4-[4-(2- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1- 503.5 Cyclohexyloxy-5- yl-phenyl)-ethanone methanesulfonyl- (WO9714690) and 2- benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- Cyclohexyloxy-5- 3-fluoro-phenyl}- methanesulfonyl-benzoic ethanone acid (compound 3.2) 282 4-[4-(2-Cyclohexyloxy- 4-Piperazin-1-yl- 468.5 5-methanesulfonyl- benzonitrile (commercial) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Cyclohexyloxy-5- benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 3.2) 283 4-[4-(2-Cyclohexyloxy- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 486.5 5-methanesulfonyl- benzonitrile (WO9625414) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Cyclohexyloxy-5- 3-fluoro-benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 3.2) 284 4-[4-(2-Cyclohexyloxy- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 486.5 5methanesulfonyl- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Cyclohexyloxy-5- 2-fluoro-benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 3.2) 285 (2-Cyclohexyloxy-5- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl- 511.5 methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine phenyl)-[4-(4- (commercial) and 2- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- Cyclohexyloxy-5- piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 3.2) 286 (2-Cyclohexyloxy-5- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 529.5 methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4- piperazine (compound trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 1.1) and 2-Cyclohexyloxy-5- piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 3.2) 287 (2-Cyclohexyloxy-5- 1-(3-Fluoro-4- 529.3 methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-[4-(3-fluoro-4- piperazine (compound 5.1) trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- and 2-Cyclohexyloxy-5- piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 3.2) 288 (2-Cyclohexyloxy-5- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 539.5 methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4- piperazine (commercial) methanesulfonyl- and 2-Cyclohexyloxy-5- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 3.2) 289 1-(4-{4-[2-(2,2- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1- 491.5 Dimethyl-propoxy)-5- yl-phenyl)-ethanone methanesulfonyl- (WO9714690) and 2-(2,2- benzoyl]-piperazin- Dimethyl-propoxy)-5- 1-yl}-3-fluoro-phenyl)- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 3.3) 290 4-{4-[2-(2,2-Dimethyl- 4-Piperazin-1-yl- 456.6 propoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl- benzonitrile (commercial) benzoyl]- and 2-(2,2-Dimethyl- piperazin-1- propoxy)-5- yl}-benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 3.3) 291 4-{4-[2-(2,2-Dimethyl- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 474.4 propoxy)-5- benzonitrile (WO9625414) methanesulfonyl- and 2-(2,2-Dimethyl- benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- propoxy)-5- 3-fluoro-benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 3.3) 292 4-{4-[2-(2,2-Dimethyl- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 474.5 propoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) benzoyl]- and 2-(2,2-Dimethyl- piperazin-1- propoxy)-5- yl}-2-fluoro-benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 3.3) 293 [2-(2,2-Dimethyl- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl- 499.4 propoxy)-5- phenyl)-piperazine methanesulfonyl- (commercial) and 2-(2,2- phenyl]-[4-(4- Dimethyl-propoxy)-5- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- methanesulfonyl-benzoic piperazin-1-yl]- acid (compound 3.3) methanone 294 [2-(2,2-Dimethyl- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 517.5 propoxy)-5-methane trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- sulfonyl-phenyl]-[4-(2- piperazine (compound fluoro-4-tri 1.1) and 2-(2,2-Dimethyl- fluoromethyl-phenyl)- propoxy)-5- piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 3.3) 295 [2-(2,2-Dimethyl- 1-(3-Fluoro-4- 517.5 propoxy)-5-methane trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- sulfonyl-phenyl]-[4-(3- piperazine (compound 5.1) fluoro-4-tri and 2-(2,2-Dimethyl- fluoromethyl-phenyl)- propoxy)-5- piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 3.3) 296 [2-(2,2-Dimethyl- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 527.3 propoxy)-5- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- methanesulfonyl- piperazine (commercial) phenyl]-[4-(2-fluoro-4- and 2-(2,2-Dimethyl- methanesulfonyl- propoxy)-5- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 3.3) 297 rac-1-(3-Fluoro-4-{4-[5- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1- 517.5 methanesulfonyl-2- yl-phenyl)-ethanone (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- (WO9714690)and rac-5- methyl-ethoxy)- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)- phenyl)-ethanone benzoic acid (compound 3.1) 298 rac-4-{4-[5- 4-Piperazin-1-yl- 482.5 Methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile (commercial) (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- and rac-5-Methanesulfonyl- methyl-ethoxy)- 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- ethoxy)-benzoic acid benzonitrile (compound 3.1) 299 rac-3-Fluoro-4-{4-[5- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 500.4 methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile (WO9625414) (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- and rac-5-Methanesulfonyl- methyl-ethoxy)- 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- ethoxy)-benzoic acid benzonitrile (compound 3.1) 300 rac-2-Fluoro-4-{4-[5- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 500.4 methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- and rac-5-Methanesulfonyl- methyl-ethoxy)- 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- ethoxy)-benzoic acid benzonitrile (compound 3.1) 301 rac-5-Methanesulfonyl- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl- 525.3 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1- phenyl)-piperazine methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- (commercial) and rac-5- [4-(4-trifluoromethyl- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)- methanone benzoic acid (compound 3.1) 302 rac-[4-(2-Fluoro-4- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 543.5 trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-[5- piperazine (compound methanesulfonyl-2- 1.1) and rac-5-Methane (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- sulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro- methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- 1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic methanone acid (compound 3.1) 303 rac-[4-(3-Fluoro-4- 1-(3-Fluoro-4- 543.5 trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-[5- piperazine (compound 5.1) methanesulfonyl-2- and rac-5-Methanesulfonyl- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- ethoxy)-benzoic acid methanone (compound 3.1) 304 rac-[4-(2-Fluoro-4- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 553.0 methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine (commercial) [5-methanesulfonyl-2- and rac-5-Methanesulfonyl- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- ethoxy)-benzoic acid methanone (compound 3.1) 305 4-{4-[5- 4-Piperazin-1-yl- 444.3 Methanesulfonyl-2-(2- benzonitrile (commercial) methoxy-ethoxy)- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- (2-methoxy-ethoxy)- benzonitrile benzoic acid (compound 1.10) 306 3-Fluoro-4-{4-[5- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 462.5 methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile (WO9625414) (2-methoxy-ethoxy)- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- (2-methoxy-ethoxy)- benzonitrile benzoic acid (compound 1.10) 307 2-Fluoro-4-{4-[5- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 462.5 methanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) (2-methoxy-ethoxy)- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- (2-methoxy-ethoxy)- benzonitrile benzoic acid (compound 1.10) 308 [4-(2-Fluoro-4- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 505.5 trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-[5- piperazine (compound methanesulfonyl-2-(2- 1.1) and 5- methoxy-ethoxy)- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2- phenyl]-methanone methoxy-ethoxy)-benzoic acid (compound 1.10) 309 [4-(3-Fluoro-4- 1-(3-Fluoro-4- 505.5 trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-[5- piperazine (compound 5.1) methanesulfonyl-2-(2- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- methoxy-ethoxy)- (2-methoxy-ethoxy)- phenyl]-methanone benzoic acid (compound 1.10) 310 [4-(2-Fluoro-4- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 515.5 methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine (commercial) [5-methanesulfonyl-2- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- (2-methoxy-ethoxy)- (2-methoxy-ethoxy)- phenyl]-methanone benzoic acid (compound 1.10) 311 1-{4-[4-(2-Cyclobutoxy- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1- 475.4 5-methanesulfonyl- yl-phenyl)-ethanone benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- (WO9714690) and 2- 3-fluoro-phenyl}- Cyclobutoxy-5- ethanone methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 3.4) 312 4-[4-(2-Cyclobutoxy-5- 4-Piperazin-1-yl- 440.5 methanesulfonyl- benzonitrile (commercial) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Cyclobutoxy-5- benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 3.4) 313 4-[4-(2-Cyclobutoxy-5- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 458.5 methanesulfonyl- benzonitrile (WO9625414) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Cyclobutoxy-5- 3-fluoro-benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 3.4) 314 4-[4-(2-Cyclobutoxy-5- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 458.5 methanesulfonyl- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Cyclobutoxy-5- 2-fluoro-benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 3.4) 315 (2-Cyclobutoxy-5- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl- 483.5 methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine phenyl)-[4-(4- (commercial) and 2- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- Cyclobutoxy-5- piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 3.4) 316 (2-Cyclobutoxy-5- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 501.5 methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4- piperazine (compound trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 1.1) and 2-Cyclobutoxy-5- piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 3.4) 317 (2-Cyclobutoxy-5- 1-(3-Fluoro-4- 501.5 methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-[4-(3-fluoro-4- piperazine (compound 5.1) trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- and 2-Cyclobutoxy-5- piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 3.4) 318 (2-Cyclobutoxy-5- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 511.5 methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4- piperazine (commercial) methanesulfonyl- and 2-Cyclobutoxy-5- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 3.4) 319 rac-1-{4-[4-(2-sec- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1- 477.4 Butoxy-5- yl-phenyl)-ethanone methanesulfonyl- (WO9714690) and rac-2- benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- sec-Butoxy-5- 3-fluoro-phenyl}- methanesulfonyl-benzoic ethanone acid (compound 3.5) 320 rac-4-[4-(2-sec-Butoxy- 4-Piperazin-1-yl- 442.5 5-methanesulfonyl- benzonitrile (commercial) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and rac-2-sec-Butoxy-5- benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 3.5) 321 rac-4-[4-(2-sec-Butoxy- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 460.5 5-methanesulfonyl- benzonitrile (WO9625414) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and rac-2-sec-Butoxy-5- 3-fluoro-benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 3.5) 322 rac-4-[4-(2-sec-Butoxy- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 460.5 5-methanesulfonyl- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and rac-2-sec-Butoxy-5- 2-fluoro-benzonitrile methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 3.5) 323 rac-(2-sec-Butoxy-5- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl- 485.5 methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine phenyl)-[4-(4- (commercial) and rac-2-sec- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- Butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- piperazin-1-yl]- benzoic acid (compound methanone 3.5) 324 rac-(2-sec-Butoxy-5- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 503.3 methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4- piperazine (compound trifluoromethyl- 1.1) and rac-2-sec-Butoxy- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 3.5) 325 rac-(2-sec-Butoxy-5- 1-(3-Fluoro-4- 503.3 methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-[4-(3-fluoro-4- piperazine (compound 5.1) trifluoromethyl- and rac-2-sec-Butoxy-5- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 3.5) 326 rac-(2-sec-Butoxy-5- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 513.5 methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4- piperazine (commercial) methanesulfonyl- and rac-2-sec-Butoxy-5- phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic methanone acid (compound 3.5)

EXAMPLE 4.1 Preparation of 6-Ethoxy-2-fluoro-3-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (a) 3-Chlorosulfonyl-2,6-difluoro-benzoic acid

95 mmol of 2,6-difluorobenzoic acid in 19 ml of chlorosulfonic acid was stirred for 2 h at 150°. The mixture was poured into 200 ml of ice and stirred for 20 min. The resulting slurry was filtered, washed with water and dried (20° overnight in the dessicator) to yield the title compound as a colorless solid. MS (m/e): 279.4 (MNa⁺, 81%)

(b) 2,6-Difluoro-3-sulfino-benzoic acid

41 mmol of 3-chlorosulfonyl-2,6-difluoro-benzoic acid was slowly added over 20 min. to a solution of 310 mmol sodium sulfite in 200 ml of water. The resulting mixture was stirred for one hour at room temperature, cooled to 0° C. and acidified with 20% aqueous sulfuric acid. The sulfinic acid was extracted with ethyl acetate, dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated to yield the title compound as a colorless solid. MS (m/e): 220.9 (M−H, 100%)

(c) 6-Ethoxy-2-fluoro-3-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid

A mixture of 27 mmol 2,6-difluoro-3-sulfino-benzoic acid and 9 mmol Na₂CO₃ in 110 ml methanol was treated with 72 mmol of methyl iodide. The resulting mixture was stirred overnight at 60°, concentrated and the dark residue dissolved in 100 ml of ethanol. 100 ml of 2 molar aqueous NaOH was added, and the mixture was refluxed for 2 hours. Concentration to about 100 ml precipitated a yellowish solid which was filtered and triturated with diethyl ether to give the crude title compound, which was used without further purification.

EXAMPLE 4.2 Preparation of 1-(4-Trifluoromethanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazine

A mixture of 1 mmol 1-Bromo-4-trifluoromethanesulfonyl-benzene [Nodiff et al., J. Org. Chem. 25, 60 (1960)], 3 mmol of piperazine and 2 mmol of potassium carbonate in 5 ml of acetonitrile was refluxed for 2 hours. The resulting mixture was poured into water, extracted with ethyl acetate, dried, concentrated and purified by column chromatography (SiO₂; Et2O/cyclohexane) to yield the title compound as a colorless solid. MS (m/e): 295.2 (MH⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 4.3 Preparation of 1-(2,4-Bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine hydrochloride (a) 4-(2,4-Bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

A mixture of 5 mmol 2,4-bis(trifluoromethyl)bromobenzene, 6 mmol N-BOC-piperazine, 8 mmol NaOtBu, 0.5 mmol rac-2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl and 1 mmol tris-(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium chloroform complex in 20 ml toluene was stirred at 80° C. for 3 hours. The mixture was then diluted with water, extracted with ethyl acetate, dried and purified by column chromatography (SiO₂; cyclohexane/ethyl acetate 9:1) to yield the title compound as a yellowish oil.

MS (m/e): 399.1 (MH⁺, 100%)

(b) 1-(2,4-Bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine hydrochloride

3 mmol of 4-(2,4-Bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester was stirred in 10 ml of 1,4-dioxane saturated with gaseous HCl. After 4 h at room temperature, the reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness to yield the title compound as a colorless solid. MS (m/e): 299.3 (MH⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 4.4 Preparation of 1-[4-(5-Methyl-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl)-phenyl]-piperazine hydrochloride (a) 4-[14-(5-Methyl-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl)-phenyl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

A well stirred mixture of 0.015 mmol of bis(tri-t-butylphosphine)palladium, 0.01 mmol of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, 2 mmol of powdered potassium hydroxide, 2 mmol of 3-(4-bromo-phenyl)-5-methyl-[1,2,4]oxadiazole and 2.1 mmol of N-BOC-piperazine in 1 ml of toluene was heated under Ar to 90° C. for 17 hours. The resulting reaction mixture was diluted with water, extracted with ethyl acetate and the product purified by column chromatography (SiO₂; cyclohexane/ethyl acetate 7:3) to yield the title compound as a yellowish solid. MS (m/e): 345.3 (MH⁺, 100%)

(b) 1-[4-(5-Methyl-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl)-phenyl]-piperazine hydrochloride

1 mmol of 4-[4-(5-Methyl-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl)-phenyl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester was stirred in 3 ml of 1,4-dioxane saturated with gaseous HCl. After 2 h at room temperature, the reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness to yield the title compound as a colorless solid. MS (m/e): 245.1 (MH⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 4.5 Preparation of 1-(4-Oxazol-2-yl-phenyl)-piperazine hydrochloride (a) 4-Bromo-N-(2,2-dimethoxy-ethyl)-benzamide

A solution of 24 mmol aminoacetaldehyde dimethylacetal was dissolved in 30 ml of water and treated with 25 mmol of potassium hydrogencarbonate. A solution of 23 mmol of 4-bromobenzoyl chloride in 50 ml of acetone was slowly added under stirring over a period of 30 min. The acetone was evaporated and the aqueous phase was extracted 3 times with ethyl acetate to yield the crude title compound as a slightly brown solid.

MS (m/e): 287.1 (M−H, 43%)

(b) 2-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-oxazole

A solution of 21 mmol of phosphorous pentoxide in 20 ml of methylsulfonic acid was treated with 7 mmol of 4-Bromo-N-(2,2-dimethoxy-ethyl)-benzamide. The reaction mixture was heated for 5 hours at 130°, cooled to room temperature and poured into ice-water. The resulting solid was filtered off and dried to yield the crude title compound as a brownish solid. MS (m/e): 224.0 (MH⁺, 24%)

(c) 4-(4-Oxazol-2-yl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

Prepared in analogy to example 4.4 (a) from 2-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-oxazole and N-BOC-piperazine. MS (m/e): 330.3 (MH⁺, 100%)

(d) 1-(4-Oxazol-2-yl-phenyl)-piperazine hydrochloride

Prepared in analogy to example 4.4 (b) from 4-(4-Oxazol-2-yl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester and hydrochloric acid in dioxane. MS (m/e): 230.1 (MH⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 4.6 Preparation of 1-[4-(5-Methyl-[1,3,4]oxadiazol-2-yl)-phenyl]-piperazine hydrochloride (a) 2-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-[1,3,4]oxadiazole

12.3 mmol of 4-bromo-benzoic acid hydrazide were dissolved in 26 ml of triethyl orthoformate. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight at 140°, evaporated and the residue crystallized from ethanol to give the title compound as a colorless solid. MS (m/e): 225.0 (MH⁺, 100%)

(b) 4-(4-[1,3,4]Oxadiazol-2-yl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

Prepared in analogy to example 4.4 (a) from 2-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-[1,3,4]oxadiazole and N-BOC-piperazine.

MS (m/e): 342.2 (MH⁺, 100%)

(c) 1-[4-(5-Methyl-[1,3,4]oxadiazol-2-yl)-phenyl]-piperazine hydrochloride

Prepared in analogy to example 4.4 (b) from 4-(4-[1,3,4]Oxadiazol-2-yl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester and hydrochloric acid in dioxane. MS (m/e): 245.3 (MH⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 4.7 Preparation of 1-[4-(2-Methyl-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-phenyl]-piperazine hydrochloride (a) 5-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-2-methyl-2H-tetrazole

A mixture of 3.5 mmol of 5-(4-bromo-phenyl)-2H-tetrazole, 0.2 mmol of tetrabutyl ammonium bromide, 4.4 mmol of methyl iodide, 6 ml of 1M aqueous sodium hydroxide and 6 ml of dichloromethane were stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was dried, evaporated and the product purified by column chromatography (SiO₂; cyclohexane/ethyl acetate 7:3). MS (m/e): 239.1 (MH⁺, 29%)

(b) 4-[4-(2-Methyl-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-phenyl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

Prepared in analogy to example 4.4 (a) from 5-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-2-methyl-2H-tetrazole and N-BOC-piperazine. MS (m/e): 345.1 (MH⁺, 41%)

(c) 1-[4-(2-Methyl-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-phenyl]-piperazine hydrochloride

Prepared in analogy to example 4.4 (b) from 4-[4-(2-Methyl-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-phenyl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester and hydrochloric acid in dioxane. MS (m/e): 245.1 (MH⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 4.8 Preparation of 3,4,5,6-Tetrahydro-2H-[1,2′]bipyrazinyl-5′-carboxylic acid methyl ester hydrochloride (a) 2,3,5,6-Tetrahydro-[1,2′]bipyrazinyl-4,5′-dicarboxylic acid 4-tert-butyl ester 5′-methyl ester

A mixture of 17 mmol methyl-5-chloropyrazine-2-carboxylate, 18 mmol of N-BOC-piperazine and 20 mmol of K₂CO₃ in 20 ml of acetonitrile was heated under reflux for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated, diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The title compound was recrystallized from ethyl acetate to yield a colorless solid. MS (m/e): 323.4 (MH⁺, 100%)

(b) 3,4,5,6-Tetrahydro-2H-[1,2′]bipyrazinyl-5′-carboxylic acid methyl ester hydrochloride

Prepared in analogy to example 4.4 (b) from 2,3,5,6-Tetrahydro-[1,2′]bipyrazinyl-4,5′-dicarboxylic acid 4-tert-butyl ester 5′-methyl ester and 1,4-dioxane saturated with gaseous HCl. MS (m/e): 223.1 (MH⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 4.9 Preparation of 6′-Chloro-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-[1,2′]bipyrazinyl trifluoroacetate (a) 6′-Chloro-2,3,5,6-tetrahydro-[1,2′]bipyrazinyl-4-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

A mixture of 10 mmol 2,6-dichloropyrazine and 21 mmol of N-BOC-piperazine in 15 ml acetonitrile was heated under reflux for 1.5 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated and purified by chromatography (SiO₂; dichloromethane/methanol 95:5) to yield the title compound as a colorless solid. MS (m/e): 299.2 (MH⁺, 100%)

(b) 6′-Chloro-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-[1,2′]bipyrazinyl trifluoroacetate

A solution of 2 mmol 6′-Chloro-2,3,5,6-tetrahydro-[1,2′]bipyrazinyl-4-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester in 10 ml of dichloromethane was treated with 3 mmol of trifluoroacetic acid and stirred at room temperature for 17 hours. Concentration and crystallisation from diethylether yielded the title compound as a colorless solid. MS (m/e): 198.0 (M⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 4.10 Preparation of 3,4,5,6-Tetrahydro-2H-[1,2′]bipyrazinyl-5′-carboxylic acid amide hydrochloride (a) 5′-Carbamoyl-2,3,5,6-tetrahydro-[1,2′]bipyrazinyl-4-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

3 mmol of 2,3,5,6-Tetrahydro-[1,2′]bipyrazinyl-4,5′-dicarboxylic acid 4-tert-butyl ester 5′-methyl ester (example 1.13 (a)) was dissolved in a 7 molar solution of gaseous ammonia in methanol. The reaction vessel was tightly closed and heated overnight at 60° C. Cooling of the reaction mixtures led to crystallisation of the title compound. MS (m/e): 308.4 (MH⁺, 100%)

(b) 3,4,5,6-Tetrahydro-2H-[1,2′]bipyrazinyl-5′-carboxylic acid amide hydrochloride

0.25 mmol of 5′-Carbamoyl-2,3,5,6-tetrahydro-[1,2′]bipyrazinyl-4-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester was stirred for 1 hour in 1 ml of dioxane saturated with gaseous HCl. Concentration of the reaction mixture led to the title compound, as a colorless solid. MS (m/e): 208.3 (MH⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 4.11 Preparation of Dimethyl-(4-piperazin-1-yl-[1,3,5]triazin-2-yl)-amine (a) 4-(4-Chloro-[1,3,5]triazin-2-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

A solution of 11 mmol of 2,4-dichlorotriazine (WO 02/083654) in 20 ml of acetonitrile was chilled and treated with 11 mmol of triethylamine and 11 mmol of N-BOC-piperazine. The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 hours at 0° C. then for 2 hours at room temperature. Addition of 100 ml brine and extraction with ethyl acetate yielded the crude product which was purified through trituration in ethyl acetate. MS (m/e): 300.3 (MH⁺, 100%)

(b) 4-(4-Dimethylamino-[1,3,5]triazin-2-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

A solution of 2 mmol of 4-(4-Chloro-[1,3,5]triazin-2-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester in 15 ml of 2M dimethylamine in methanol was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. Concentration and purification by chromatography (SiO₂; ethyl acetate/cyclohexane 1:1) yielded the title compound as a colorless solid. MS (m/e): 309.1

(MH⁺, 100%)

(c) Dimethyl-(4-piperazin-1-yl-[1,3,5]triazin-2-yl)-amine

A solution of 1 mmol of 4-(4-Dimethylamino-[1,3,5]triazin-2-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester in 10 ml dichloromethane was chilled and treated with 14 mmol of trifluoroacetic acid. The reaction mixture was heated to 40° C. for 30 min. After cooling, 50 ml of 2M aqueous sodium hydroxide was added. The organic layer was separated, dried and concentrated to yield the title compound as a yellowish oil. MS (m/e): 267.0 (M+CH₃COO⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 4.12 Preparation of 6′-Methoxy-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-[1,2′]bipyrazinyl (a) 6′-Methoxy-2,3,5,6-tetrahydro-[1,2′]bipyrazinyl-4-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

1 mmol of 6′-Chloro-2,3,5,6-tetrahydro-[1,2′]bipyrazinyl-4-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester [example 4.9 (a)] was dissolved in a solution of sodium methanolate (prepared by dissolving 1 mmol of sodium in 10 ml of methanol). The mixture was heated overnight to 70°, concentrated and the product purified by chromatography (SiO₂; dichloromethane/methanol 99:1) to yield the title compound as a colorless foam. MS (m/e): 295.3 (MH⁺, 100%)

(b) 6′-Methoxy-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-[1,2′]bipyrazinyl

Prepared in analogy to example 4.10 (c) from 6′-Methoxy-2,3,5,6-tetrahydro-[1,2′]bipyrazinyl-4-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester and trifluoroacetic acid. MS (m/e): 195.1 (MH⁺, 80%)

EXAMPLE 4.13 Preparation of 2-Methoxy-4-piperazin-1-yl-[1,3,5]triazine (a) 4-(4-Methoxy-[1,3,5]triazin-2-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

1 mmol of 4-(4-Chloro-[1,3,5]triazin-2-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester [example 4.11 a)] was dissolved in a solution of sodium methanolate (prepared by dissolving 1 mmol of sodium in 5 ml of methanol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour, concentrated and the title compound purified by recrystallisation from ethyl acetate/cyclohexane. MS (m/e): 296.3 (MH⁺, 100%)

(b) 2-Methoxy-4-piperazin-1-yl-[1,3,5]triazine

Prepared in analogy to example 4.10 (c) from 4-(4-Methoxy-[1,3,5]triazin-2-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester and trifluoroacetic acid. MS (m/e): 196.4 (MH⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 4.14 Preparation of 2-Dimethylcarbamoyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (a) 2-Hydroxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid benzyl ester

5 mmol of N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethyl-carbodiimid-hydrochloride was slowly added to a stirred suspension of 5 mmol 2-hydroxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid, 5 mmol of benzyl alcohol and 0.5 mmol of 4-dimethylaminopyridine in 10 ml acetonitrile. The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature, concentrated and treated with 10 ml of water. A few drops of diluted hydrochloric acid were added to acidify the solution. The resulting solid was filtered and then purified by chromatography (SiO₂; ethyl acetate/cyclohexane 3:7) to yield the title compound as a colorless solid. MS (m/e): 305.0 (M−H, 100%)

(b) 2-Dimethylcarbamoyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid benzyl ester

A mixture of 1 mmol 2-hydroxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid benzyl ester, 1.5 mmol of N-methylmorpholine and 0.2 mmol of 4-dimethylaminopyridine in 4 ml of dimethylformamide was treated with 1.3 mmol of N,N-dimethyl-carbamoylchloride. The reaction mixture was stirred at 60° for 48 hours, concentrated in vacuo and the residue taken up in 5 ml of water. Acidification with diluted hydrochloric acid and extraction with ethyl acetate yielded a crude product which was purified by chromatography (SiO₂; ethyl acetate/cyclohexane 1.1). MS (m/e): 378.3 (MH⁺, 100%)

(c) 2-Dimethylcarbamoyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid

1 mmol of 2-dimethylcarbamoyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid benzyl ester was dissolved in 5 ml of methanol. 25 mg of palladium 10% on charcoal was added and the reaction mixture hydrogenated at room temperature to yield the title compound as a slightly yellowish solid. MS (m/e): 288.0 (MH⁺, 66%)

In analogy to Example 5 compounds 327 to 355 of the following table were prepared from the acid derivatives and piperazine derivatives:

Expl.- MW found No. Systematic Name Starting materials (MH⁺) 327 (6-Ethoxy-2-fluoro-3- 1-(4-Methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- 485.4 methanesulfonyl- piperazine (commercial) and phenyl)-[4-(4- 6-Ethoxy-2-fluoro-3- methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid phenyl)-piperazin-1- (compound 4.1) yl]-methanone 328 (2-Isopropoxy-5- 1-(4-Trifluoromethane 552.0 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl- sulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazine phenyl)-[4-(4- (compound 4.2) and 2- trifluoromethanesulfonyl- Isopropoxy-5- phenyl)- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 1.2) methanone 329 (2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- 1-(4-Trifluoromethane 578.0 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl- sulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazine phenyl)-[4-(4- (compound 4.2) and 2- trifluoromethanesulfonyl- Cyclopentyloxy-5-methane phenyl)- sulfonyl-benzoic acid piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 1.6) methanone 330 (2-Isobutoxy-5- 1-(4-Trifluoromethane 566.1 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl- sulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazine phenyl)-[4-(4- (compound 4.2) and 2- trifluoromethanesulfonyl- Isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- phenyl)- benzoic acid (compound 1.3) piperazin-1-yl]- methanone 331 [4-(2,4-Bis- 1-(2,4-Bis-trifluoromethyl- 539.2 trifluoromethyl- phenyl)-piperazine phenyl)-piperazin-1- hydrochloride (compound 4.3) yl]-(2-isopropoxy-5- and 2-Isopropoxy-5- methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid phenyl)-methanone (compound 1.2) 332 [4-(2,4-Bis- 1-(2,4-Bis-trifluoromethyl- 565.3 trifluoromethyl- phenyl)-piperazine phenyl)-piperazin-1- hydrochloride (compound 4.3) yl]-(2-cyclopentyloxy- and 2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- 5-methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-methanone benzoic acid (compound 1.6) 333 [4-(2,4-Bis- 1-(2,4-Bis-trifluoromethyl- 553.2 trifluoromethyl- phenyl)-piperazine phenyl)-piperazin-1- hydrochloride (compound 4.3) yl]-(2-isobutoxy-5- and 2-Isobutoxy-5- methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid phenyl)-methanone (compound 1.3) 334 (2-Isobutoxy-5- 1-[4-(5-Methyl- 499.1 methanesulfonyl- [1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl)-phenyl]- phenyl)-{4-[4-(5- piperazine hydrochloride methyl- (compound 4.4) and 2- [1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl)- Isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- phenyl]-piperazin-1- benzoic acid (compound 1.3) yl}-methanone 335 (2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- 1-[4-(5-Methyl- 511.4 methanesulfonyl- [1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl)-phenyl]- phenyl)-{4-[4-(5- piperazine hydrochloride methyl- (compound 4.4) and 2- [1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl)- Cyclopentyloxy-5- phenyl]-piperazin-1- methanesulfonyl- yl}-methanone benzoic acid (compound 1.6) 336 (2-Isobutoxy-5- 1-(4-Oxazol-2-yl-phenyl)- 484.4 methanesulfonyl- piperazine; hydrochloride phenyl)-[4-(4-oxazol- (compound 4.5) and 2- 2-yl-phenyl)- Isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- piperazin-1-yl]- benzoic acid (compound 1.3) methanone 337 (2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- 1-(4-Oxazol-2-yl-phenyl)- 496.4 methanesulfonyl- piperazine; hydrochloride phenyl)-[4-(4-oxazol- (compound 4.5) and 2- 2-yl-phenyl)- Cyclopentyloxy-5- piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl- methanone benzoic acid (compound 1.6) 338 (2-Isopropoxy-5- 1-[4-(5-Methyl-[1,3,4] 485.3 methanesulfonyl- oxadiazol-2-yl)-phenyl]- phenyl)-{4-[4-(5- piperazine hydrochloride methyl- (compound 4.6) and 2- [1,3,4]oxadiazol-2-yl)- Isopropoxy-5-methane phenyl]-piperazin-1- sulfonyl-benzoic acid yl}-methanone (compound 1.2) 339 (2-Isobutoxy-5- 1-[4-(5-Methyl-[1,3,4] 499.2 methanesulfonyl- oxadiazol-2-yl)-phenyl]- phenyl)-{4-[4-(5- piperazine hydrochloride methyl- (compound 4.6) and 2- [1,3,4]oxadiazol-2-yl)- Isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- phenyl]-piperazin-1- benzoic acid (compound 1.3) yl}-methanone 340 (2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- 1-[4-(5-Methyl- 511.3 methanesulfonyl- [1,3,4]oxadiazol-2-yl)-phenyl]- phenyl)-{4-[4-(5- piperazine hydrochloride methyl- (compound 4.6) and 2- [1,3,4]oxadiazol-2-yl)- Cyclopentyloxy-5- phenyl]-piperazin-1- methanesulfonyl- yl}-methanone benzoic acid (compound 1.6) 341 (2-Isobutoxy-5- 1-[4-(2-Methyl-2H-tetrazol-5- 499.1 methanesulfonyl- yl)-phenyl]-piperazine; phenyl)-{4-[4-(2- hydrochloride (compound methyl-2H!-tetrazol- 4.7) and 2-Isobutoxy-5- 5-yl)-phenyl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid piperazin-1-yl}- (compound 1.3) methanone 342 4-(2-Isopropoxy-5- 3,4,5,6-Tetrahydro-2H- 463.4 methanesulfonyl- [1,2′]bipyrazinyl-5′-carboxylic benzoyl)-3,4,5,6- acid methyl ester; tetrahydro-2H- hydrochloride (compound [1,2′]bipyrazinyl-5′- 4.8) and 2-Isopropoxy-5- carboxylic acid methyl methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid ester (compound 1.2) 343 4-(2-Isobutoxy-5- 3,4,5,6-Tetrahydro-2H- 477.1 methanesulfonyl- [1,2′]bipyrazinyl-5′-carboxylic benzoyl)-3,4,5,6- acid methyl ester; tetrahydro-2H- hydrochloride (compound [1,2′]bipyrazinyl-5′- 4.8) and 2-Isobutoxy-5- carboxylic acid methyl methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid ester (compound 1.3) 344 (6′-Chloro-2,3,5,6- 6′-Chloro-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro- 439.1 tetrahydro- 2H-[1,2′]bipyrazinyl; trifluoro- [1,2′]bipyrazinyl-4- acetic acid (compound 4.9) yl)-(2-isopropoxy-5- and 2-Isopropoxy-5- methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid phenyl)-methanone (compound 1.2) 345 4-(2-Isopropoxy-5- 3,4,5,6-Tetrahydro-2H- 448.3 methanesulfonyl- [1,2′]bipyrazinyl-5′-carboxylic benzoyl)-3,4,5,6- acid amide; hydrochloride tetrahydro-2H- (compound 4.10) and 2- [1,2′]bipyrazinyl-5′- Isopropoxy-5-methane carboxylic acid amide sulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.2) 346 4-(2-Isobutoxy-5- 3,4,5,6-Tetrahydro-2H- 462.3 methanesulfonyl- [1,2′]bipyrazinyl-5′-carboxylic benzoyl)-3,4,5,6- acid amide; hydrochloride tetrahydro-2H- (compound 4.10) and 2- [1,2′]bipyrazinyl-5′- Isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- carboxylic acid amide benzoic acid (compound 1.3) 347 [4-(4- Dimethyl-(4-piperazin-1-yl- 463.3 Dimethylamino- [1,3,5]triazin-2-yl)-amine [1,3,5]triazin-2-yl)- (compound 4.11) and 2- piperazin-1-yl]-(2- Isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- isobutoxy-5- benzoic acid (compound 1.3) methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-methanone 348 [4-(4- Dimethyl-(4-piperazin-1-yl- 449.3 Dimethylamino- [1,3,5]triazin-2-yl)-amine [1,3,5]triazin-2-yl)- (compound 4.11) and 2- piperazin-1-yl]-(2- Isopropoxy-5-methane isopropoxy-5- sulfonyl-benzoic acid methanesulfonyl- (compound 1.2) phenyl)-methanone 349 (2-Isopropoxy-5- 6′-Methoxy-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro- 435.2 methanesulfonyl- 2H-[1,2′]bipyrazinyl; trifluoro- phenyl)-(6′-methoxy- acetic acid (compound 4.12) 2,3,5,6-tetrahydro- and 2-Isopropoxy-5-methane [1,2′]bipyrazinyl-4- sulfonyl-benzoic acid yl)-methanone (compound 1.2) 350 (2-Isopropoxy-5- 2-Methoxy-4-piperazin-1-yl- 436.4 methanesulfonyl- [1,3,5]triazine (compound phenyl)-[4-(4- 4.13) and 2-Isopropoxy-5- methoxy- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid [1,3,5]triazin-2-yl)- (compound 1.2) piperazin-1-yl]- methanone 351 Dimethyl-carbamic 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 500.4 acid 4-methane piperazine (commercial) and sulfonyl-2-[4-(4- 2-Dimethylcarbamoyloxy-5- trifluoromethyl- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid phenyl)-piperazine-1- (compound 4.14) carbonyl]-phenyl ester 352 Dimethyl-carbamic 1-(2-Fluoro-4-methane 528.3 acid 2-[4-(2-fluoro-4- sulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazine methanesulfonyl- (commercial) and 2- phenyl)-piperazine-1- Dimethylcarbamoyloxy-5- carbonyl]-4- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid methanesulfonyl- (compound 4.14) phenyl ester 353 (2-Cyclopropyl- 1-Phenyl-piperazine 415.5 methoxy-5-methane- (commercial) and 2- sulfonyl-phenyl)-(4- Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- phenyl-piperazin-1- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid yl)-methanone (compound 1.4) 354 (2- 1-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)- 445.3 Cyclopropylmethoxy- piperazine (commercial) and 5-methanesulfonyl- 2-Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- phenyl)-[4-(4- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid methoxy-phenyl)- (compound 1.4) piperazin-1-yl]- methanone 355 (2- 4-Piperazin-1-yl-phenol 431.4 Cyclopropylmethoxy- (commercial) and 2- 5-methanesulfonyl- Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- phenyl)-[4-(4- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid hydroxy-phenyl)- (compound 1.4) piperazin-1-yl]- methanone

EXAMPLE 356 Preparation of 1-{3-Fluoro-4-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-phenyl}-ethanone oxime

0.12 mmol of 1-{3-Fluoro-4-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-phenyl}-ethanone was dissolved in 1 ml of a 1:1 mixture of ethanol and water. 0.8 mmol of hydroxylamine hydrochloride was added, followed by 8.4 mmol of sodium acetate. The resulting mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature, diluted with water, filtered, washed and dried to yield the title compound as a colorless solid.

MS (m/e): 478.2 (MH⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 357 Preparation of 1-{3-Fluoro-4-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-phenyl}-ethanone O-methyl-oxime

0.12 mmol of 1-{3-Fluoro-4-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-phenyl}-ethanone was dissolved in 1 ml of a 1:1 mixture of ethanol and water. 0.8 mmol of O-methyl-hydroxylamine hydrochloride was added, followed by 8.4 mmol of sodium acetate. The slurry was stirred overnight at room temperature, diluted with water, extracted with ethyl acetate, dried and concentrated. The resulting gum was triturated with diethyl ether/heptane to yield the title compound as a colorless solid. MS (m/e): 492.3 (MH⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 4.15 Preparation of (2,6-Difluoro-3-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (a) 3-Chlorosulfonyl-2,6-difluoro-benzoic acid

77 mmol of 2,6-difluorobenzoic acid were dissolved in 15.5 ml of chlorosulfonic acid and stirred for 2 h at 150° C. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and poured into 100 ml of ice/water. The solid was filtered and dried to yield the title compound as a colorless solid. MS (m/e): 255.1 (M−H, 44%)

(b) 2,6-Difluoro-3-sulfino-benzoic acid

240 mmol of sodium sulfite were dissolved in 150 ml of water. 32 mmol of 3-Chlorosulfonyl-2,6-difluoro-benzoic acid was added under stirring over a period of about 20 min. After stirring for an additional hour at room temperature, the mixture was chilled and acidified with 20% aqueous sulfuric acid. The product was extracted with ethyl acetate to yield the title compound as a colorless solid. MS (m/e): 221.3 (M−H, 34%)

(c) 2,6-Difluoro-3-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid

A suspension of 18 mmol sodium carbonate and 9 mmol 2,6-Difluoro-3-sulfino-benzoic acid in 30 ml of methanol was stirred at room temperature for 30 min, then heated to 60° C. 24 mmol of methyl iodide were added and the reaction mixture heated overnight at 60° C. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was discarded and the aqueous phase acidified by addition of concentrated hydrochloric acid. Extraction with ethyl acetate yielded the title compound as a slightly brownish solid. MS (m/e): 235.1 (M−H, 16%)

(d) (2,6-Difluoro-3-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone

This compound was prepared in analogy to example 5 from 1-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazine and 2,6-difluoro-3-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid. MS (m/e): 477.0 (MH⁺, 67%)

EXAMPLE 4.16 Preparation of 4-[4-(2,6-Difluoro-3-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile

Prepared in analogy to example 5 from 4-piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile and 2,6-difluoro-3-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid. MS (m/e): 406.3 (MH⁺, 84%)

EXAMPLE 358 Preparation of (2-Cyclopentyloxy-6-ethoxy-3-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone

0.12 mmol of (6-Ethoxy-2-fluoro-3-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (example 55) was added to a solution of sodium cyclopentanolate (prepared from 1 mmol sodium dissolved in 1 ml of cyclopentanol). The mixture was heated for 1 hour at 80° C., poured on ice/water and extracted with ethyl acetate. Chromatography (SiO₂; ethyl acetate) yielded the title compound as a slightly yellow solid. MS (m/e): 551.1 (MH⁺, 29%)

EXAMPLE 359 Preparation of (2,6-diisopropoxy-3-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone

0.27 mmol of 2,6-difluoro-3-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (example 4.15) was added to a solution of sodium isopropanolate (prepared by dissolving 3 mmol of sodium in 2 ml of isopropanol). The reaction mixture was heated under reflux for 5 hours, cooled, diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate, yielding the title compound as a slightly yellow solid. MS (m/e): 557.3 (MH⁺, 66%)

EXAMPLE 360 Preparation of (2-Fluoro-6-isopropoxy-3-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone

0.2 mmol of (2,6-difluoro-3-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone were dissolved in a solution of sodium isopropanolate (prepared by dissolving 0.2 mmol of sodium in 1 ml of isopropanol). The reaction mixture was heated to 50° C. for 2 hours, then stirred at room temperature for 48 hours. The solution was diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The product was purified by chromatography (SiO₂, ethyl acetate/cyclohexane 9:1) to yield the title compound as a colorless solid. MS (m/e): 517.1 (MH⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 361 Preparation of (6-Cyclopentyloxy-2-fluoro-3-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone

The compound was prepared in analogy to example 358 from (2,6-difluoro-3-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone and sodium cyclopentanolate. MS (m/e): 560.5 (MNH₄ ⁺, 43%)

EXAMPLE 362 Preparation of 4-[4-(2-Fluoro-6-isopropoxy-3-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile

The compound was prepared in analogy to example 359 from 4-[4-(2,6-difluoro-3-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile and sodium isopropanolate. MS (m/e): 446.0 (MH⁺, 49%)

EXAMPLE 5.1 Preparation of 1-(3-Fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine (a) 4-(3-Fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

A mixture of 4.9 mmol 4-chloro-2-fluorobenzotrifluoride, 5.9 mmol n-Boc-piperazine, 0.05 mmol palladium acetate, 6.9 mmol sodium-t-butoxide and 0.49 mmol 2-(di-t-butylphosphino)biphenyl in 10 ml toluene was heated for 16 h at 80° C. After cooling to RT, the mixture was diluted with ether; the suspension was filtered over decalite; and the filtrate evaporated. The residue was purified on silica eluting with a gradient of heptane/EtOAc to yield after evaporation the title compound.

(b) 1-(3-Fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine

A mixture of 2.87 mmol 4-(3-Fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester in 10 ml dichloromethane was treated with 14.4 mmol trifluoroacetic acid and refluxed for 3 h. The mixture was concentrated and treated with 10 ml water, NaOH and extracted with dichloromethane. The combined organic phases were dried with MgSO₄ and evaporated to yield the title compound 5.1. MS (m/e): 249.2 (MH⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 5.2 Preparation of 2-piperazin-1-yl-5-trifluoromethyl-benzonitrile

The compound was prepared in analogy to compound 5.1 from 2-Chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-benzonitrile (DE2550262). MS (m/e): 256.0 (MH⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 5.3 Preparation of 1-(2,3-Difluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazine

The compound was prepared in analogy to compound 2.20 from 2,3,4-Trifluoro-benzenesulfonyl chloride (commercial). MS (m/e): 277.2 (MH⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 5.4 Preparation of 1-(2-Fluoro-4-methyl-phenyl)-piperazine

The compound was prepared in analogy to compound 1.1 from 4-bromo-3-fluorotoluene (commercial). MS (m/e): 195.3 (MH⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 5.5 Preparation of 1-(3-Fluoro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-piperazine

The compound was prepared in analogy to compound 2.7 from 2,3-Difluoro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridine (EP0104715). MS (m/e): 250.2 (MH⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 5.6 Preparation of 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-((S)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid (a) rac-5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid methyl ester

A mixture of 21.7 mmol 2-Hydroxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid methyl ester [68029-77-6], 32.5 mmol trifluoro-methanesulfonic acid 2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethyl ester [212556-43-9], 43.4 mmol potassium carbonate in 87 ml DMF was stirred at 80° C. for 48 hours. After cooling to RT, the mixture was concentrated in vacuo, taken in water and stirred for 1 hour. Filtration yielded the title compound.

(b) 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-((S)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid methyl ester

The title compound was obtained by separation of rac-5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid methyl ester by chiral HPLC (Chiralcel OD, 15% ethanol/Heptane, flow 35 ml, 220 nm, retention time: 86 min.).

(c) 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-((S)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid

The compound was prepared in analogy to compound 2.10(b) from 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-((S)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid methyl ester MS (m/e): 311.0 (M−H, 100%)

EXAMPLE 5.7 Preparation of 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-((R)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid (a) 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-((R)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid methyl ester

The title compound was obtained by separation of rac-5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid methyl ester by chiral HPLC (Chiralcel OD, 15% ethanol/Heptane, flow 35 ml, 220 nm, retention time: 74 min.).

(b) 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-((R)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid

The compound was prepared in analogy to compound 2.10(b) from 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-((R)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid methyl ester MS (m/e): 311.0 (M−H, 100%)

EXAMPLE 5.8 Preparation of 2-Chloro-4-piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile

A mixture of 7.0 mmol 2-chloro-4-fluorobenzonitrile (commercial), 10.5 mmol piperazine in 4 ml N,N-dimethylacetamide was heated for 1 h at 85° C. After cooling to RT and evaporation in vacuo, the mixture was diluted with dichloromethane and purified on silica, eluting with a gradient of dichloromethane/MeOH to yield after evaporation the title compound. MS (m/e): 222.1 (MH⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 5.9 Preparation of 1-(2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl-phenyl)-ethanone

The compound was prepared in analogy to compound 5.8 from 2,4-difluoroacetophenone (commercial). MS (m/e): 223.2 (M−H, 100%)

EXAMPLE 5.10 Preparation of 1-(3-Fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazine

The compound was prepared in analogy to compound 2.20 from 2,4-difluorobenzenesulfonylchloride (commercial). MS (m/e): 259.1 (MH⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 5.11 Preparation of 1-(4-Fluoro-2-piperazin-1-yl-phenyl)-ethanone

The compound was prepared in analogy to compound 5.8 from 2,4-difluoroacetophenone (commercial). MS (m/e): 223.2 (M−H, 100%)

EXAMPLE 5.12 Preparation of 6-Isopropoxy-isophthalamic acid

The compound was prepared in analogy to compound 2.10 from 6-Hydroxy-isophthalamic acid methyl ester [89366-34-7]. MS (m/e): 222.1 (M−H, 100%)

EXAMPLE 5.13 Preparation of 5-Ethanesulfonyl-2-isopropoxy-benzoic acid (a) 5-Ethanesulfonyl-2-hydroxy-benzoic acid methyl ester

The compound was prepared in analogy to compound 2.20(b) from 2-Hydroxy-5-sulfino-benzoic acid [19479-88-0] and ethyliodide

(b) 5-Ethanesulfonyl-2-isopropoxy-benzoic acid

The compound was prepared in analogy to compound 2.10 from 5-Ethanesulfonyl-2-hydroxy-benzoic acid methyl ester. MS (m/e): 271.1 (M−H, 100%)

EXAMPLE 5.14 Preparation of 1-(4-Difluoromethyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine (a) 1-Chloro-4-difluoromethyl-2-fluoro-benzene

24.7 mmol 4-Chloro-3-fluorobenzaldehyde was dissolved in DAST (5.1 ml) under nitrogen. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours, at 50° C. for 2 hours and then at room temperature for 65 hours. The solution was added dropwise to a saturated bicarbonate solution (150 ml) under cooling. The aqueous layer was extracted 3 times with ethyl acetate. The combined extracts were dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was purified on silica eluting with heptane to yield after evaporation the title compound.

(b) 1-(4-Difluoromethyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine

The compound was prepared in analogy to compound 1.1 from 1-Chloro-4-difluoromethyl-2-fluoro-benzene. MS (m/e): 231.2 (M+H⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 5.15 Preparation of 1-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-yl)-piperazine

The compound was prepared in analogy to compound 1.1 from 5-Bromo-2-trifluoromethyl-pyridine [436799-32-5]. MS (m/e): 232.1 (M+H⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 5.16 Preparation of 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl-benzoic acid ethyl ester

The compound was prepared in analogy to compound 5.8 from Ethyl-3,4-difluorobenzoate (commercial). MS (m/e): 253.2 (M+H⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 5.17 Preparation of 1-(2-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin-4-yl)-piperazine

The compound can be prepared from 4-Nitro-2-trifluoromethyl-pyridine 1-oxide [147149-97-1] in analogy to the procedure used for the preparation of 4-Bromo-2-methyl-6-trifluoromethyl-pyridine [615579-78-1] (WO03087056). MS (m/e): 227 (M+H⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 5.18 Preparation of 1-(6-Methyl-pyridin-3-yl)-piperazine

The compound was prepared in analogy to compound 1.1 from 5-Bromo-2-methyl-pyridine (commercial). MS (m/e): 178.1 (M+H⁺, 100%)

In analogy to Example 5 compounds 363 to 461 of the following table were prepared from the acid derivatives and piperazine derivatives:

Expl.- MW found No. Systematic Name Starting materials (MH⁺) 363 2-[4-(2-Isopropoxy-5- 2-Piperazin-1-yl-5- 496.3 methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl-benzonitrile benzoyl)-piperazin-1- (compound 5.2) and 2- yl]-5-trifluoromethyl- Isopropoxy-5-methane benzonitrile sulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.2) 364 4-[4-(2-Isopropoxy-5- 4-Piperazin-1-yl-2- 496.3 methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl-benzonitrile benzoyl)-piperazin-1- (WO0017163) and 2- yl]-2-trifluoromethyl- Isopropoxy-5-methane benzonitrile sulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.2) 365 1-{4-[4-(2-Isopropoxy- 1-(4-Piperazin-1-yl-2- 513.4 5-methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- benzoyl)-piperazin-1- ethanone (WO0210277) and yl]-2-trifluoromethyl- 2-Isopropoxy-5-methane phenyl}-ethanone sulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.2) 366 2-Chloro-4-[4-(2- 2-Chloro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 462.3 isopropoxy-5- benzonitrile (compound 5.8) methanesulfonyl- and 2-Isopropoxy-5- benzoyl)-piperazin-1- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid yl]-benzonitrile (compound 1.2) 367 1-{2-Fluoro-4-[4-(2- 1-(2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 463.4 isopropoxy-5- phenyl)-ethanone (compound methanesulfonyl- 5.9) and 2-Isopropoxy-5- benzoyl)-piperazin-1- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid yl]-phenyl}-ethanone (compound 1.2) 368 [4-(3-Fluoro-4- 1-(3-Fluoro-4- 499.3 methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1- piperazine (compound 5.10) yl]-(2-isopropoxy-5- and 2-Isopropoxy-5- methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid phenyl)-methanone (compound 1.2) 369 1-{4-[4-(2-Cyclopropyl 1-(2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 475.4 methoxy-5-methane phenyl)-ethanone (compound sulfonyl-benzoyl)- 5.9) and 2-Cyclopropyl piperazin-1-yl]-2- methoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- fluoro-phenyl}- benzoic acid (compound 1.4) ethanone 370 (2-Cyclopropyl 1-(3-Fluoro-4-methane 511.4 methoxy-5-methane sulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazine sulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(3- (compound 5.10) and 2- fluoro-4-methane Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- sulfonyl-phenyl)- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 1.4) methanone 371 [4-(3-Fluoro-4- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-methane 513.4 methanesulfonyl- sulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazine phenyl)-piperazin-1- (compound 5.10) and 2- yl]-(2-isobutoxy-5- Isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl- benzoic acid (compound 1.3) phenyl)-methanone 372 1-{2-Fluoro-4-[4-(2- 1-(2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 477.3 isobutoxy-5- phenyl)-ethanone (compound methanesulfonyl- 5.9) and 2-Isobutoxy-5- benzoyl)-piperazin-1- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid yl]-phenyl}-ethanone (compound 1.3) 373 2-[4-(2- 2-Piperazin-1-yl-5- 522.4 Cyclopentyloxy-5- trifluoromethyl-benzonitrile methanesulfonyl- (compound 5.2) and 2- benzoyl)-piperazin-1- Cyclopentyloxy-5-methane yl]-5-trifluoromethyl- sulfonyl-benzoic acid benzonitrile (compound 1.6) 374 2-[4-(2-Cyclopropyl 2-Piperazin-1-yl-5-trifluoro 508.6 methoxy-5-methane methyl-benzonitrile sulfonyl-benzoyl)- (compound 5.2) and 2- piperazin-1-yl]-5- Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- trifluoromethyl- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid benzonitrile (compound 1.4) 375 2-[4-(2-Isobutoxy-5- 2-Piperazin-1-yl-5-trifluoro 510.6 methanesulfonyl- methyl-benzonitrile benzoyl)-piperazin-1- (compound 5.2) and 2- yl]-5-trifluoromethyl- Isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- benzonitrile benzoic acid (compound 1.3) 376 2-{4-[5-Methane 2-Piperazin-1-yl-5-trifluoro 536.5 sulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- methyl-benzonitrile trifluoro-ethoxy)- (compound 5.2) and 5- benzoyl]-piperazin-1- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- yl}-5-trifluoromethyl- trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic acid benzonitrile (compound 1.5) 377 rac-[4-(3-Fluoro-4- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-methane 553.2 methanesulfonyl- sulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazine phenyl)-piperazin-1- (compound 5.10) and rac-5- yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1- trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)- methyl-ethoxy)- benzoic acid (compound 3.1) phenyl]-methanone 378 rac-1-(2-Fluoro-4-{4- 1-(2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 517.4 [5-methanesulfonyl-2- phenyl)-ethanone (compound (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- 5.9) and rac-5-Methane methyl-ethoxy)- sulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1- benzoyl]-piperazin-1- methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid yl}-phenyl)-ethanone (compound 3.1) 379 1-{4-Fluoro-2-[4-(2- 1-(4-Fluoro-2-piperazin-1 yl- 463.4 isopropoxy-5- phenyl)-ethanone (compound methanesulfonyl- 5.11) and 2-Isopropoxy-5- benzoyl)-piperazin-1- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid yl]-phenyl}-ethanone (compound 1.2) 380 3-[4-(2-Fluoro-4- 1-(2-Fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl- 454.6 trifluoromethyl- phenyl)-piperazine (compound phenyl)-piperazine-1- 1.1) and 6-Isopropoxy- carbonyl]-4- isophthalamic acid (compound isopropoxy-benzamide 5.12) 381 4-Isopropoxy-3-[4-(4- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 436.4 trifluoromethyl- piperazine (commercial) and phenyl)-piperazine-1- 6-Isopropoxy-isophthalamic carbonyl]-benzamide acid (compound 5.12) 382 3-[4-(3-Fluoro-4- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl- 454.6 trifluoromethyl- phenyl)-piperazine (compound phenyl)-piperazine-1- 5.1) and 6-Isopropoxy- carbonyl]-4- isophthalamic acid (compound isopropoxy-benzamide 5.12) 383 3-[4-(2-Fluoro-4- 1-(2-Fluoro-4-methane 464.4 methanesulfonyl- sulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazine phenyl)-piperazine-1- (commercial) and 6- carbonyl]-4- Isopropoxy-isophthalamic acid isopropoxy-benzamide (compound 5.12) 384 3-[4-(2-Cyano-4- 2-Piperazin-1-yl-5-trifluoro 461.4 trifluoromethyl- methyl-benzonitrile phenyl)-piperazine-1- (compound 5.2) and 6- carbonyl]-4- Isopropoxy-isophthalamic acid isopropoxy-benzamide (compound 5.12) 385 3-[4-(4-Cyano-phenyl)- 4-Piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile 393.2 piperazine-1-carbonyl]- (commercial) and 6- 4-isopropoxy- Isopropoxy-isophthalamic acid benzamide (compound 5.12) 386 3-[4-(4-Cyano-2- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 411.4 fluoro-phenyl)- benzonitrile (WO9625414) and piperazine-1-carbonyl]- 6-Isopropoxy-isophthalamic 4-isopropoxy- acid (compound 5.12) benzamide 387 3-[4-(4-Cyano-3- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 411.4 fluoro-phenyl)- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) piperazine-1-carbonyl]- and 6-Isopropoxy- 4-isopropoxy- isophthalamic acid (compound benzamide 5.12) 388 3-[4-(4-Acetyl-2- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 428.6 fluoro-phenyl)- phenyl)-ethanone piperazine-1-carbonyl]- (WO9714690) and 6- 4-isopropoxy- Isopropoxy-isophthalamic acid benzamide (compound 5.12) 389 [4-(2,3-Difluoro-4- 1-(2,3-Difluoro-4- 517.4 methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1- piperazine (compound 5.3) yl]-(2-isopropoxy-5- and 2-Isopropoxy-5- methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid phenyl)-methanone (compound 1.2) 390 (5-Ethanesulfonyl-2- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 485.5 isopropoxy-phenyl)-[4- piperazine (commercial) and (4-trifluoromethyl- 5-Ethanesulfonyl-2- phenyl)-piperazin-1- isopropoxy-benzoic acid yl]-methanone (compound 5.13) 391 (5-Ethanesulfonyl-2- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 513.4 isopropoxy-phenyl)-[4- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- (2-fluoro-4- piperazine (commercial) and methanesulfonyl- 5-Ethanesulfonyl-2- phenyl)-piperazin-1- isopropoxy-benzoic acid yl]-methanone (compound 5.13) 392 4-[4-(5-Ethanesulfonyl- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 460.5 2-isopropoxy-benzoyl)- benzonitrile (WO9625414) and piperazin-1-yl]-3- 5-Ethanesulfonyl-2- fluoro-benzonitrile isopropoxy-benzoic acid (compound 5.13) 393 (5-Ethanesulfonyl-2- 1-(2-Fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl- 503.3 isopropoxy-phenyl)-[4- phenyl)-piperazine (compound (2-fluoro-4- 1.1) and 5-Ethanesulfonyl-2- trifluoromethyl- isopropoxy-benzoic acid phenyl)-piperazin-1- (compound 5.13) yl]-methanone 394 [4-(2,3-Difluoro-4- 1-(2,3-Difluoro-4- 531.3 methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1- piperazine (compound 5.3) yl]-(5-ethanesulfonyl-2- and 5-Ethanesulfonyl-2- isopropoxy-phenyl)- isopropoxy-benzoic acid methanone (compound 5.13) 395 (2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- 1-(2,3-Difluoro-4- 542.1 methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-[4-(2,3- piperazine (compound 5.3) difluoro-4- and 2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazin-1- benzoic acid (compound 1.6) yl]-methanone 396 (2- 1-(2,3-Difluoro-4- 529.3 Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- methanesulfonyl- piperazine (compound 5.3) phenyl)-[4-(2,3- and 2-Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- difluoro-4- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid methanesulfonyl- (compound 1.4) phenyl)-piperazin-1- yl]-methanone 397 [4-(2,3-Difluoro-4- 1-(2,3-Difluoro-4- 557.2 methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1- piperazine (compound 5.3) yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro- (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- ethoxy)-phenyl]- benzoic acid (compound 1.5) methanone 398 rac-[4-(2,3-Difluoro-4- 1-(2,3-Difluoro-4- 571.3 methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1- piperazine (compound 5.3) yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl- and rac-5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- methyl-ethoxy)- ethoxy)-benzoic acid phenyl]-methanone (compound 3.1) 399 [4-(2,3-Difluoro-4- 1-(2,3-Difluoro-4- 543.2 methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1- piperazine (compound 5.3) yl]-(5-methanesulfonyl- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 2-trifluoromethoxy- trifluoromethoxy-benzoic acid phenyl)-methanone (compound 2.15) 400 [4-(4-Difluoromethyl- 1-(4-Difluoromethyl-2-fluoro- 471.1 2-fluoro-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazine (compound piperazin-1-yl]-(2- 5.14) and 2-Isopropoxy-5- isopropoxy-5- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid methanesulfonyl- (compound 1.2) phenyl)-methanone 401 [4-(3-Chloro-5- 1-(3-Chloro-5-trifluoro 546.3 trifluoromethyl- methyl-pyridin-2-yl)- pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- piperazine (commercial) and 1-yl]-[5-methane 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- sulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic acid trifluoro-ethoxy)- (compound 1.5) phenyl]-methanone 402 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 1-(5-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin- 512.4 (2,2,2-trifluoro- 2-yl)-piperazine (commercial) ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(5- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- trifluoromethyl- (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- benzoic acid (compound 1.5) 1-yl]-methanone 403 6-{4-[5-Methane 6-Piperazin-1-yl-nicotino 469.3 sulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- nitrile (commercial) and 5- trifluoro-ethoxy)- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- benzoyl]-piperazin-1- trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic acid yl}-nicotinonitrile (compound 1.5) 404 6-[4-(2-Cyclopropyl 6-Piperazin-1-yl-nicotino 441.4 methoxy-5-methane nitrile (commercial) and 2- sulfonyl-benzoyl)- Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- piperazin-1-yl]- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid nicotinonitrile (compound 1.4) 405 (2- 1-(5-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin- 484.5 Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- 2-yl)-piperazine (commercial) methanesulfonyl- and 2-Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- phenyl)-[4-(5- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid trifluoromethyl- (compound 1.4) pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- 1-yl]-methanone 406 [4-(3-Chloro-5- 1-(3-Chloro-5-trifluoro 518.3 trifluoromethyl- methyl-pyridin-2-yl)- pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- piperazine (commercial) and 1-yl]-(2-cyclopropyl 2-Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- methoxy-5-methane methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid sulfonyl-phenyl)- (compound 1.4) methanone 407 rac-[4-(3-Chloro-5- 1-(3-Chloro-5-trifluoro 560.3 trifluoromethyl- methyl-pyridin-2-yl)- pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- piperazine (commercial) and 1-yl]-[5-methane rac-5-Methanesulfonyl-2- sulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- trifluoro-1-methyl- ethoxy)-benzoic acid ethoxy)-phenyl]- (compound 3.1) methanone 408 rac-[5-Methane 1-(5-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin- 526.2 sulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- 2-yl)-piperazine (commercial) trifluoro-1-methyl- and rac-5-Methanesulfonyl-2- ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(5- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- trifluoromethyl- ethoxy)-benzoic acid pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- (compound 3.1) 1-yl]-methanone 409 rac-6-{4-[5- 6-Piperazin-1-yl-nicotino 483.4 Methanesulfonyl-2- nitrile (commercial) and rac-5- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- methyl-ethoxy)- trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)- benzoyl]-piperazin-1- benzoic acid (compound 3.1) yl}-nicotinonitrile- 410 [4-(6-Chloro-5- 1-(6-Chloro-5-trifluoro 518.3 trifluoromethyl- methyl-pyridin-2-yl)- pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- piperazine (WO03097636) and 1-yl]-(2-cyclopropyl 2-Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- methoxy-5-methane methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid sulfonyl-phenyl)- (compound 1.4) methanone 411 6-[4-(2- 6-Piperazin-1-yl-nicotino 455.5 Cyclopentyloxy-5- nitrile (commercial) and 2- methanesulfonyl- Cyclopentyloxy-5-methane benzoyl)-piperazin-1- sulfonyl-benzoic acid yl]-nicotinonitrile (compound 1.6) 412 (2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- 1-(5-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin- 498.3 methanesulfonyl- 2-yl)-piperazine (commercial) phenyl)-[4-(5- and 2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- trifluoromethyl- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- (compound 1.6) 1-yl]-methanone 413 [4-(3-Chloro-5- 1-(3-Chloro-5-trifluoro 532.3 trifluoromethyl- methyl-pyridin-2-yl)- pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- piperazine (commercial) and 1-yl]-(2- 2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- cyclopentyloxy-5- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid methanesulfonyl- (compound 1.6) phenyl)-methanone 414 [4-(6-Chloro-5- 1-(6-Chloro-5-trifluoro 506.3 trifluoromethyl- methyl-pyridin-2-yl)- pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- piperazine (WO03097636) and 1-yl]-(2-isopropoxy-5- 2-Isopropoxy-5-methane methanesulfonyl- sulfonyl-benzoic acid phenyl)-methanone (compound 1.2) 415 (2-Isopropoxy-5- 1-(5-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin- 472.2 methanesulfonyl- 2-yl)-piperazine (commercial) phenyl)-[4-(5- and 2-Isopropoxy-5-methane trifluoromethyl- sulfonyl-benzoic acid pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- (compound 1.2) 1-yl]-methanone 416 6-[4-(2-Isopropoxy-5- 6-Piperazin-1-yl-nicotino 429.5 methanesulfonyl- nitrile (commercial) and 2- benzoyl)-piperazin-1- Isopropoxy-5-methane yl]-nicotinonitrile sulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.2) 417 [4-(3-Chloro-5- 1-(3-Chloro-5-trifluoro 506.3 trifluoromethyl- methyl-pyridin-2-yl)- pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- piperazine (commercial) and 1-yl]-(2-isopropoxy-5- 2-Isopropoxy-5-methane methanesulfonyl- sulfonyl-benzoic acid phenyl)-methanone (compound 1.2) 418 rac-[4-(5-Chloro- 1-(5-Chloro-pyridin-2-yl)- 492.3 pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- piperazine (WO01062751) and 1-yl]-[5-methane rac-5-Methanesulfonyl-2- sulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- trifluoro-1-methyl- ethoxy)-benzoic acid ethoxy)-phenyl]- (compound 3.1) methanone 419 [4-(5-Chloro-pyridin- 1-(5-Chloro-pyridin-2-yl)- 464.3 2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine (WO01062751) and (2-cyclopentyloxy-5- 2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid phenyl)-methanone (compound 1.6) 420 [4-(5-Chloro-pyridin- 1-(5-Chloro-pyridin-2-yl)- 450.4 2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine (WO01062751) and (2-cyclopropyl 2-Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- methoxy-5- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid methanesulfonyl- (compound 1.4) phenyl)-methanone 421 [4-(5-Chloro-pyridin- 1-(5-Chloro-pyridin-2-yl)- 478.2 2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine (WO01062751) and [5-methanesulfonyl-2- 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- (2,2,2-trifluoro- trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic acid ethoxy)-phenyl]- (compound 1.5) methanone 422 [4-(5-Chloro-pyridin- 1-(5-Chloro-pyridin-2-yl)- 438.3 2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine (WO01062751) and (2-isopropoxy-5- 2-Isopropoxy-5-methane methanesulfonyl- sulfonyl-benzoic acid phenyl)-methanone (compound 1.2) 423 Rac-[4-(6-Chloro- 3-Chloro-6-piperazin-1-yl- 493.3 pyridazin-3-yl)- pyridazine (WO02030405) and piperazin-1-yl]-[5- rac-5-Methanesulfonyl-2- methanesulfonyl-2- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- ethoxy)-benzoic acid methyl-ethoxy)- (compound 3.1) phenyl]-methanone 424 [4-(6-Chloro- 3-Chloro-6-piperazin-1-yl- 465.4 pyridazin-3-yl)- pyridazine (WO02030405) and piperazin-1-yl]-(2- 2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- cyclopentyloxy-5- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid methanesulfonyl- (compound 1.6) phenyl)-methanone 425 (2-Isopropoxy-5- 1-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin- 472.2 methanesulfonyl- 3-yl)-piperazine (compound phenyl)-[4-(6- 5.15) and 2-Isopropoxy-5- trifluoromethyl- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid pyridin-3-yl)-piperazin- (compound 1.2) 1-yl]-methanone 426 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 1-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin- 512.4 (2,2,2-trifluoro- 3-yl)-piperazine (compound ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(6- 5.15) and 5-Methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl- 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- pyridin-3-yl)-piperazin- benzoic acid (compound 1.5) 1-yl]-methanone 427 rac-[5-Methane 1-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin- 526.2 sulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- 3-yl)-piperazine (compound trifluoro-1-methyl- 5.15) and rac-5-Methane ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(6- sulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1- trifluoromethyl- methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid pyridin-3-yl)-piperazin- (compound 3.1) 1-yl]-methanone 428 3-Fluoro-4-[4-(2- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 493.4 isopropoxy-5-methane benzoic acid ethyl ester sulfonyl-benzoyl)- (compound 5.16) and 2- piperazin-1-yl]-benzoic Isopropoxy-5-methane acid ethyl ester sulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.2) 429 [4-(5-Bromo-pyridin- 1-(5-Bromo-pyridin-2-yl)- 482.4 2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine (WO 9534555) and (2-isopropoxy-5- 2-Isopropoxy-5-methane methanesulfonyl- sulfonyl-benzoic acid phenyl)-methanone (compound 1.2) 430 (2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- 1-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin- 498.3 methanesulfonyl- 3-yl)-piperazine (compound phenyl)-[4-(6-trifluoro 5.15) and 2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- methyl-pyridin-3-yl)- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 1.6) methanone 431 (2-Cyclopropyl 1-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin- 484.5 methoxy-5-methane 3-yl)-piperazine (compound sulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(6- 5.15) and 2-Cyclopropyl trifluoromethyl- methoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- pyridin-3-yl)-piperazin- benzoic acid (compound 1.4) 1-yl]-methanone 432 [4-(5-Bromo-pyridin- 1-(5-Bromo-pyridin-2-yl)- 522.2 2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]- piperazine (WO 9534555) and [5-methanesulfonyl-2- 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- (2,2,2-trifluoro- trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic acid ethoxy)-phenyl]- (compound 1.5) methanone 433 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 1-(2-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin- 512.4 (2,2,2-trifluoro- 4-yl)-piperazine (compound ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(2- 5.17) and 5-Methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl- 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- pyridin-4-yl)-piperazin- benzoic acid (compound 1.5) 1-yl]-methanone 434 (2-Isopropoxy-5- 1-(2-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin- 472.2 methanesulfonyl- 4-yl)-piperazine (compound phenyl)-[4-(2- 5.17) and 2-Isopropoxy-5- trifluoromethyl- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid pyridin-4-yl)-piperazin- (compound 1.2) 1-yl]-methanone 435 rac-[4-(5-Bromo- 1-(5-Bromo-pyridin-2-yl)- 536.3 pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- piperazine (WO 9534555) and 1-yl]-[5-methane rac-5-Methanesulfonyl-2- sulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- trifluoro-1-methyl- ethoxy)-benzoic acid ethoxy)-phenyl]- (compound 3.1) methanone 436 [4-(3-Fluoro-5- 1-(3-Fluoro-5-trifluoromethyl- 530.3 trifluoromethyl- pyridin-2-yl)-piperazine pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- (compound 5.5) and 5- 1-yl]-[5-methane Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- sulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic acid trifluoro-ethoxy)- (compound 1.5) phenyl]-methanone 437 [4-(3-Fluoro-5- 1-(3-Fluoro-5-trifluoromethyl- 490.4 trifluoromethyl- pyridin-2-yl)-piperazine pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- (compound 5.5) and 2- 1-yl]-(2-isopropoxy-5- Isopropoxy-5-methane methanesulfonyl- sulfonyl-benzoic acid phenyl)-methanone (compound 1.2) 438 rac-[4-(3-Fluoro-5- 1-(3-Fluoro-5-trifluoromethyl- 544.3 trifluoromethyl- pyridin-2-yl)-piperazine pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- (compound 5.5) and rac-5- 1-yl]-[5-methane Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- sulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)- trifluoro-1-methyl- benzoic acid (compound 3.1) ethoxy)-phenyl]- methanone 439 (2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- 1-(3-Fluoro-5-trifluoromethyl- 516.4 methanesulfonyl- pyridin-2-yl)-piperazine phenyl)-[4-(3-fluoro-5- (compound 5.5) and 2- trifluoromethyl- Cyclopentyloxy-5-methane pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- sulfonyl-benzoic acid 1-yl]-methanone (compound 1.6) 440 (2- 1-(3-Fluoro-5-trifluoromethyl- 502.3 Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- pyridin-2-yl)-piperazine methanesulfonyl- (compound 5.5) and 2- phenyl)-[4-(3-fluoro-5- Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- trifluoromethyl- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- (compound 1.4) 1-yl]-methanone 441 rac-[5-Methane 1-(2-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin- 526.2 sulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- 4-yl)-piperazine (compound trifluoro-1-methyl- 5.17) and rac-5-Methane ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(2- sulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1- trifluoromethyl- methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid pyridin-4-yl)-piperazin- (compound 3.1) 1-yl]-methanone 442 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 1-(6-Methyl-pyridin-3-yl)- 458.4 (2,2,2-trifluoro- piperazine (compound 5.18) ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(6- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- methyl-pyridin-3-yl)- (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- piperazin-1-yl]- benzoic acid (compound 1.5) methanone 443 (2-Isopropoxy-5- 1-(6-Methyl-pyridin-3-yl)- 418.3 methanesulfonyl- piperazine (compound 5.18) phenyl)-[4-(6-methyl- and 2-Isopropoxy-5- pyridin-3-yl)-piperazin- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid 1-yl]-methanone (compound 1.2) 444 (2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- 1-(6-Methyl-pyridin-3-yl)- 444.4 methanesulfonyl- piperazine (compound 5.18) phenyl)-[4-(6-methyl- and 2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- pyridin-3-yl)-piperazin- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid 1-yl]-methanone (compound 1.6) 445 (2-Cyclopropyl 1-(6-Methyl-pyridin-3-yl)- 430.5 methoxy-5-methane piperazine (compound 5.18) sulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(6- and 2-Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- methyl-pyridin-3-yl)- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 1.4) methanone 446 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 1-(5-Methyl-pyridin-2-yl)- 458.0 (2,2,2-trifluoro- piperazine (WO03032996) and ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(5- 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- methyl-pyridin-2-yl)- trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic acid piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 1.5) methanone 447 (2-Isopropoxy-5- 1-(5-Methyl-pyridin-2-yl)- 418.3 methanesulfonyl- piperazine (WO03032996) and phenyl)-[4-(5-methyl- 2-Isopropoxy-5-methane pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- sulfonyl-benzoic acid 1-yl]-methanone (compound 1.2) 448 (2-Cyclopropyl 1-(5-Methyl-pyridin-2-yl)- 430.5 methoxy-5-methane piperazine (WO03032996) and sulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(5- 2-Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- methyl-pyridin-2-yl)- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 1.4) methanone 449 rac-[5-Methane 1-(5-Methyl-pyridin-2-yl)- 472.3 sulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- piperazine (WO03032996) and trifluoro-1-methyl- rac-5-Methanesulfonyl-2- ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(5- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- methyl-pyridin-2-yl)- ethoxy)-benzoic acid piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 3.1) methanone 450 rac-[5-Methane 1-(6-Methyl-pyridin-3-yl)- 472.2 sulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- piperazine (compound 5.18) trifluoro-1-methyl- and rac-5-Methanesulfonyl-2- ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(6- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- methyl-pyridin-3-yl)- ethoxy)-benzoic acid piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 3.1) methanone 451 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin- 512.4 (2,2,2-trifluoro- 2-yl)-piperazine ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4- (WO02002529) and 5- trifluoromethyl- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic acid 1-yl]-methanone (compound 1.5) 452 (2-Isopropoxy-5- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin- 472.3 methanesulfonyl- 2-yl)-piperazine phenyl)-[4-(4- (WO02002529) and 2- trifluoromethyl- Isopropoxy-5-methane pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- sulfonyl-benzoic acid 1-yl]-methanone (compound 1.2) 453 (2-tert-Butoxy-5- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin- 486.2 methanesulfonyl- 2-yl)-piperazine phenyl)-[4-(4- (WO02002529) and 2-tert- trifluoromethyl- Butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- benzoic acid (compound 2.19) 1-yl]-methanone 454 [4-(2-Fluoro-4- 1-(2-Fluoro-4-methane 570.4 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl- sulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazine phenyl)-piperazin-1- (commercial) and 5-Methane yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl- sulfonyl-2-((S)-2,2,2-trifluoro- 2-((S)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1- 1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid methyl-ethoxy)- (compound 5.6) phenyl]-methanone 455 rac-[5-Methane 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin- 526.0 sulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- 2-yl)-piperazine trifluoro-1-methyl- (WO02002529) and rac-5- ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- trifluoromethyl- trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)- pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- benzoic acid (compound 3.1) 1-yl]-methanone 456 [4-(2-Fluoro-4- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 570.4 (M + NH₄ ⁺) methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazin-1- piperazine (commercial) and yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl- 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-((R)- 2-((R)-2,2,2-trifluoro- 2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- 1-methyl-ethoxy)- ethoxy)-benzoic acid phenyl]-methanone (compound 5.7) 457 (2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin- 498.2 methanesulfonyl- 2-yl)-piperazine phenyl)-[4-(4- (WO02002529) and 2- trifluoromethyl- Cyclopentyloxy-5- pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- methanesulfonyl- 1-yl]-methanone benzoic acid (compound 1.6) 458 (2-Isopropoxy-5- 1-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin- 472.1 methanesulfonyl- 2-yl)-piperazine (EP 462638) phenyl)-[4-(6- and 2-Isopropoxy-5-methane trifluoromethyl- sulfonyl-benzoic acid pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- (compound 1.2) 1-yl]-methanone 459 rac-[5-Methane 1-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin- 526.0 sulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- 2-yl)-piperazine (EP 462638) trifluoro-1-methyl- and rac-5-Methanesulfonyl-2- ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(6- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- trifluoromethyl- ethoxy)-benzoic acid pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- (compound 3.1) 1-yl]-methanone 460 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 1-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin- 512.2 (2,2,2-trifluoro- 2-yl)-piperazine (EP 462638) ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(6- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- trifluoromethyl- (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin- benzoic acid (compound 1.5) 1-yl]-methanone 461 3-Fluoro-4-[4-(2- 1-(4-Difluoromethyl-2-fluoro- 449.1 isopropoxy-5- phenyl)-piperazine (compound methanesulfonyl- 5.14) and 2-Isopropoxy-5- benzoyl)-piperazin-1- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid yl]-benzaldehyde (compound 1.2)

EXAMPLE 462 Preparation of rac-{4-[2-Fluoro-4-(1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone

0.086 mmol of 1-{3-Fluoro-4-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-phenyl}-ethanone was dissolved in 1 ml ethanol and 0.26 mmol sodium borohydride was added. The mixture was refluxed for 40 min., cooled to room temperature, quenched with water, acidified with HCl 1N and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined extracts were dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was purified on silica eluting with heptane/ethylacetate to yield after evaporation the title compound. MS (m/e): 465.4 (M+H⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 463 Preparation of {4-[2-Fluoro-4-(1-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-phenyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone

To a solution of 0.173 mmol 1-{3-Fluoro-4-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-phenyl}-ethanone in tetrahydrofuran (2 ml) was added dropwise 0.190 mmol 1.6M Methyllithium solution in ether at −75° C. The mixture was stirred for 2 hours and then allowed to warm to 0° C. The mixture was quenched with a 20% NH₄Cl solution and extracted 3 times with ethyl acetate. The combined extracts were dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was purified on silica, eluting with dichloromethane/MeOH to yield after evaporation the title compound.

MS (m/e): 479.5 (M+H⁺, 100%)

The examples 464-471 have been prepared by separation of the racemic material by chiral HPLC:

MW Expl.- found No. Systematic Name Starting materials Separation Conditions (MH⁺) 464 [5-Methanesulfonyl- rac-[5- Chiralpak AD, 525.8 (M) 2-((S or R)-2,2,2- Methanesulfonyl-2- 20% trifluoro-1-methyl- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- Isopropanol/ ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4- methyl-ethoxy)- Heptane, flow (5-trifluoromethyl- phenyl]-[4-(5- 35 ml, 254 nm, pyridin-2-yl)- trifluoromethyl- 170 min. piperazin-1-yl]- pyridin-2-yl)- methanone piperazin-1-yl]- methanone (example 408) 465 [5-Methanesulfonyl- rac-[5-Methane Chiralpak AD, 525.3 (M) 2-((R or S)-2,2,2- sulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- 20% trifluoro-1-methyl- trifluoro-1-methyl- Isopropanol/ ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4- ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4- Heptane, flow (5-trifluoromethyl- (5-trifluoromethyl- 35 ml, 254 nm, pyridin-2-yl)- pyridin-2-yl)- 245 min. piperazin-1-yl]- piperazin-1-yl]- methanone methanone (example 408) 466 [4-(2-Fluoro-4- rac-[4-(2-Fluoro-4- Chiralpak AD, 543.2 trifluoromethyl- trifluoromethyl- 25% phenyl)-piperazin-1- phenyl)-piperazin-1- Isopropanol/ yl]-[5- yl]-[5-methane Heptane, flow methanesulfonyl-2- sulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- 35 ml, 220 nm, ((S or R)-2,2,2- trifluoro-1-methyl- 141 min. trifluoro-1-methyl- ethoxy)-phenyl]- ethoxy)-phenyl]- methanone (example methanone 302) 467 [4-(2-Fluoro-4- rac-[4-(2-Fluoro-4- Chiralpak AD, 543.2 trifluoromethyl- trifluoromethyl- 25% phenyl)-piperazin-1- phenyl)-piperazin-1- Isopropanol/ yl]-[5- yl]-[5-methane Heptane, flow methanesulfonyl-2- sulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- 35 ml, 220 nm, ((R or S)-2,2,2- trifluoro-1-methyl- 199 min. trifluoro-1-methyl- ethoxy)-phenyl]- ethoxy)-phenyl]- methanone (example methanone 302) 468 [5-Methanesulfonyl- rac-5-Methane Chiralpak AD, 525.2 2-((S or R)-2,2,2- sulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- 25% trifluoro-1-methyl- trifluoro-1-methyl- Isopropanol/ ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4- ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4- Heptane, flow (4-trifluoromethyl- (4-trifluoromethyl- 35 ml, 220 nm, phenyl)-piperazin-1- phenyl)-piperazin-1- 197 min. yl]-methanone yl]-methanone (example 301) 469 [5-Methanesulfonyl- rac-5-Methane Chiralpak AD, 525.2 2-((R or S)-2,2,2- sulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- 25% trifluoro-1-methyl- trifluoro-1-methyl- Isopropanol/ ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4- ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4- Heptane, flow (4-trifluoromethyl- (4-trifluoromethyl- 35 ml, 220 nm, phenyl)-piperazin-1- phenyl)-piperazin-1- 280 min. yl]-methanone yl]-methanone (example 301) 470 [4-(3-Fluoro-5- rac-[4-(3-Fluoro-5- Chiralpak AD, 544.3 trifluoromethyl- trifluoromethyl- 20% pyridin-2-yl)- pyridin-2-yl)- Isopropanol/ piperazin-1-yl]-[5- piperazin-1-yl]-[5- Heptane, flow methanesulfonyl-2- methanesulfonyl-2- 35 ml, 254 nm, ((S)-2,2,2-trifluoro- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- 110 min. 1-methyl-ethoxy)- methyl-ethoxy)- phenyl]-methanone phenyl]-methanone (example 438) 471 [4-(3-Fluoro-5- rac-[4-(3-Fluoro-5- Chiralpak AD, 544.0 trifluoromethyl- trifluoromethyl- 20% pyridin-2-yl)- pyridin-2-yl)- Isopropanol/ piperazin-1-yl]-[5- piperazin-1-yl]-[5- Heptane, flow methanesulfonyl-2- methanesulfonyl-2- 35 ml, 254 nm, ((R)-2,2,2-trifluoro- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- 145 min. 1-methyl-ethoxy)- methyl-ethoxy)- phenyl]-methanone phenyl]-methanone (example 438)

EXAMPLE 6.1 Preparation of 2-isobutoxy-5-methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid (a) 5-Chlorosulfonyl-2-hydroxy-benzoic acid

To 3.26 mol chlorosulfonic acid at 0° C. was added 652 mmol salicylic acid in small portions, and the mixture was then allowed to stir at RT for 1 h, then at 50° C. for 1 h, and finally at 70° C. for 1 h. The mixture was then added dropwise to 1000 ml ice-water with stirring and stirring continued for an additional 30 min. The ensuing white crystals were collected by filtration, washed three times with water, and then dried in vacuo at 45° C. for 16 h to yield the title compound. MS (m/e): 236.8 ([{³⁷Cl}M−H]⁻, 33%), 235.0 ([{³⁷Cl}M−H]⁻, 100%)

(b) 2-Hydroxy-5-methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid

To 63 mmol 5-chlorosulfonyl-2-hydroxy-benzoic acid in 120 ml dichloromethane at RT was added dropwise 317 mmol methylamine (8 M solution in ethanol), and the mixture was allowed to stir at RT for 1 h. The mixture was then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was suspended in 1 M aq NaOH solution and extracted twice with ether. The aqueous phase was acidified with 5 M aq HCl, saturated with NaCl, and extracted 3 times with THF. The combined THF extracts were washed twice with saturated aqueous NaCl solution and dried with Na₂SO₄. Evaporation in vacuo yielded the title compound. MS (m/e): 249.0 (M+NH₄ ⁺, 100%), 231.9 (M+H⁺, 63%)

(c) 2-Hydroxy-5-methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid methyl ester

To 77 mmol 2-hydroxy-5-methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid in 300 ml THF was added 85 mmol CDI, and the mixture heated at 70° C. for 1 h. 770 mmol methanol was then added, and the mixture was heated at 70° C. for 16 h. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel (eluant: ethyl acetate/heptane/dichloromethane 45:45:10) to afford the title compound.

MS (m/e): 244.1 ([M−H]⁻, 100%)

(d) 2-Isobutoxy-5-methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid methyl ester

To 2.9 mmol 2-hydroxy-5-methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid methyl ester, 3.1 mmol 2-methyl-1-propanol and 3.3 mmol triphenylphosphine in 10 ml THF was added 3.1 mmol di-tert-butyl azodicarboxylate, and the mixture was stirred at RT for 2 h. The mixture was then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel (eluant: ethyl acetate/heptane 2:3) to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 300.2 ([M−H]⁻, 100%)

(e) 2-Isobutoxy-5-methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid

To 3.3 mmol 2-isobutoxy-5-methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid methyl ester in 10 ml THF was added 20 mmol 2 M aq NaOH, and the mixture was heated at 50° C. for 2 h. The mixture was then cooled to RT and extracted twice with ether. The aqueous phase was acidified with 10% aq citric acid and extracted 3 times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were dried with Na₂SO₄. Evaporation in vacuo followed by trituration in ether afforded the title compound. MS (m/e): 286.2 ([M−H]⁻, 100%)

In analogy to Example 6.1(d) and (e), compounds 6.2 to 6.10 of the following table were prepared from 2-hydroxy-5-methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid methyl ester and the appropriate alcohol, followed by hydrolysis with aqueous sodium hydroxide:

Expl. No Systematic Name alcohol MS (M/e) 6.2 2-(2,2-Dimethyl-propoxy)-5- 2,2-Dimethyl-1-propanol 300.2 (M − H) methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid 6.3 2-Isopropoxy-5- 2-Propanol 272.2 (M − H) methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid 6.4 2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- Cyclopentanol 298.2 (M − H) methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid 6.5 2-Cyclobutoxy-5- Cyclobutanol 284.1 (M − H) methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid 6.6 2-Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- Cyclopropyl-methanol 284.1 (M − H) methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid 6.7 2-Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- Cyclobutyl-methanol 298.2 (M − H) methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid 6.8 5-Methylsulfamoyl-2- Tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4- 314.1 (M − H) (tetrahydro-pyran-4-yloxy)- ol benzoic acid 6.9 2-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-5- 2-Methoxy-ethanol 288.1 (M − H) methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid 6.10 5-Methylsulfamoyl-2-(3,3,3- 3,3,3-Trifluoro-1- 326.2 (M − H) trifluoro-propoxy)-benzoic propanol acid

EXAMPLE 6.11 Preparation of 5-methylsulfamoyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic acid (a) 5-Methylsulfamoyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic acid methyl ester

To 3.3 mmol 2-hydroxy-5-methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid methyl ester and 3.3 mmol potassium carbonate in 50 ml acetone was added dropwise 4.9 mmol 2,2,2-trifluoro-ethyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, and the mixture was heated at 60° C. for 16 h. The mixture was then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was suspended in dichloromethane and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo, and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel (eluant: ethyl acetate/heptane 3:7) to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 328.0 (M+H⁺, 100%)

(b) 5-Methylsulfamoyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic acid

To 2.3 mmol 5-methylsulfamoyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic acid methyl ester in 10 ml THF was added 20 mmol 2 M aq NaOH, and the mixture was heated at 50° C. for 2 h. The mixture was then cooled to RT and extracted twice with ether. The aqueous phase was acidified with 10% aq citric acid and extracted 3 times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were dried with Na₂SO₄. Evaporation in vacuo followed by trituration in ether afforded the title compound. MS (m/e): 312.0 ([M−H]⁻, 100%)

EXAMPLE 6.19 Preparation of rac-5-methylsulfamoyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid (a) rac-5-Methylsulfamoyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid methyl ester

To 4.1 mmol 2-hydroxy-5-methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid methyl ester and 4.1 mmol potassium carbonate in 5 ml DMF was added dropwise 6.1 mmol trifluoro-methanesulfonic acid 2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethyl ester, and the mixture was heated at 90° C. for 16 h. The mixture was then cooled to RT, poured onto water and extracted 3 times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were dried with Na₂SO₄. Evaporation in vacuo followed by chromatography on silica gel (eluant: dichloromethane) afforded the title compound.

MS (m/e): 359.2 (M+NH₄ ⁺, 80%), 342.0 (M+H⁺, 100%)

(b) rac-5-Methylsulfamoyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid

To 1.6 mmol 5-methylsulfamoyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid methyl ester in 10 ml THF was added 20 mmol 2 M aq NaOH, and the mixture was heated at 50° C. for 2 h. The mixture was then cooled to RT and extracted twice with ether. The aqueous phase was acidified with 10% aq citric acid and extracted twice with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were dried with Na₂SO₄. Evaporation in vacuo followed by trituration in ether and hexane afforded the title compound. MS (m/e): 326.2 ([M−H]⁻, 100%)

EXAMPLE 6.14 Preparation of 5-cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-isopropoxy-benzoic acid (a) 2-Hydroxy-5-sulfino-benzoic acid

To 317 mmol sodium sulfite in 200 ml water at RT was added dropwise over 30 min a solution of 42.3 mmol 5-chlorosulfonyl-2-hydroxy-benzoic acid in 80 ml dioxane and stirring continued for a further 30 min. 5 M aq NaOH was then added dropwise until the reaction mixture was pH 14, and the mixture was then allowed to stir at RT for a further 2 h. The mixture was then cooled to 0° C. and concentrated H₂SO₄ added until the reaction mixture was pH 1. Ethyl acetate was added, and the phases were separated. The organic phase was dried with Na₂SO₄. Evaporation in vacuo yielded the title compound.

MS (m/e): 201.0 ([M−H]⁻, 100%)

(b) 5-(3-Chloro-propane-1-sulfonyl)-2-hydroxy-benzoic acid

To 16.7 mmol 2-hydroxy-5-sulfino-benzoic acid and 41.7 mmol triethylamine in 40 ml DMF was added 18.3 mmol 1-chloro-3-iodopropane, and the mixture heated at 40° C. for 1 h. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel (eluant: dichloromethane/methanol/acetic acid gradient) to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 279.1 ([{³⁷Cl}M−H]⁻, 33%), 277.0 ([{³⁵Cl}M−H]⁻, 100%)

(c) 5-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-hydroxy-benzoic acid

To 8.0 mmol 5-(3-chloro-propane-1-sulfonyl)-2-hydroxy-benzoic acid in 30 ml THF at −78° C. was added dropwise over 30 min 23.9 mmol of a 0.9 M solution of potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide in toluene. The reaction mixture was then allowed to warm to RT and stirring continued for a further 30 min at RT. The mixture was then diluted with THF/ethyl acetate (1:1) and washed sequentially with 1 M aq HCl and saturated aqueous NaCl solution, dried with Na₂SO₄, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was triturated in ether/pentane to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 241.2 ([M−H]⁻, 100%)

(d) 5-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-hydroxy-benzoic acid methyl ester

To 7.2 mmol 5-cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-hydroxy-benzoic acid in 20 ml dichloroethane containing a few drops of DMF was added dropwise 8.7 mmol oxalyl chloride. After stirring for 90 min at RT, the reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C. and then 144 mmol methanol was added, followed by 72 mmol pyridine, and stirring continued at RT for 1 h. The mixture was then washed with 1 M aq HCl, dried with Na₂SO₄, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel (eluant: ethyl acetate/heptane gradient) to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 255.2 ([M−H]⁻, 100%)

(e) 5-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-isopropoxy-benzoic acid

To 0.6 mmol 5-cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-hydroxy-benzoic acid methyl ester, 3.7 mmol 2-propanol and 0.9 mmol diphenyl-2-pyridylphosphine in 8 ml THF was added 0.9 mmol di-tert-butyl azodicarboxylate, and the mixture was stirred at RT for 3 h. 4 mmol 5 M aq NaOH solution was then added, and the mixture heated at 60° C. for 1 h. The mixture was then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was resuspended in ethyl acetate and washed twice with 1 M aq NaOH solution. The combined aqueous phases were then acidified to pH 1 by addition of 25% aq HCl and extracted three times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were then dried with Na₂SO₄, and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 282.9 ([M−H]⁻, 100%)

In analogy to Example 6.14 (e), compounds 6.15 to 6.18 of the following table were prepared from 5-cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-hydroxy-benzoic acid methyl ester and the appropriate alcohol, followed by hydrolysis with aqueous sodium hydroxide:

Expl. No Systematic Name alcohol MS (m/e) 6.15 5-Cyclopropanesulfonyl- 2-Methyl-1-propanol 297.1 (M − H) 2-isobutoxy-benzoic acid 6.16 2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- Cyclopentanol 309.1 (M − H) cyclopropanesulfonyl- benzoic acid 6.17 5-Cyclopropanesulfonyl- Cyclopropyl-methanol 295.2 (M − H) 2-cyclopropylmethoxy- benzoic acid 6.18 2-Cyclobutoxy-5- Cyclobutanol 295.2 (M − H) cyclopropanesulfonyl- benzoic acid

EXAMPLE 6.12 Preparation of 1-(4-ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine (a) 3,4-Difluoro-benzenesulfinic acid

To 2.47 mol sodium sulfite in 1120 ml water at RT was added dropwise over 20 min a solution of 329 mmol 3,4-difluoro-benzenesulfonyl chloride in 560 ml dioxane and stirring continued for a further 30 min. 1 M aq NaOH was then added dropwise until the reaction mixture was pH 14, and the mixture was then allowed to stir at RT for a further 16 h. The mixture was then cooled to 0° C. and concentrated H₂SO₄ added until the reaction mixture was pH 1. The mixture was extracted three times with ethyl acetate, and the combined organic phases washed with saturated aq NaCl solution and then dried with Na₂SO₄. Evaporation in vacuo yielded the title compound. MS (m/e): 177.1 ([M−H]⁻, 100%)

(b) 4-Ethanesulfonyl-1,2-difluoro-benzene

To 3.0 mmol 3,4-difluoro-benzenesulfinic acid and 3.0 mmol triethylamine in 10 ml DMF was added 7.5 mmol iodoethane and the mixture heated at 90° C. for 9 h. The reaction mixture was then poured onto water and extracted three times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were then washed twice with saturated aq. NaCl solution, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel (eluant: ethyl acetate/heptane 1:7) to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 206.9 (M+H⁺, 100%)

(c) 1-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine

To 2.0 mmol 4-ethanesulfonyl-1,2-difluoro-benzene in 5 ml N,N-dimethylacetamide was added 5.6 mmol piperazine and the mixture was heated at 80° C. for 45 min. The mixture was then concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 273.0 (M+H⁺, 100%)

In analogy to Example 6.12 (b) and (c), compounds 6.13, and 6.21 to 6.23 of the following table were prepared from 3,4-difluoro-benzenesulfinic acid and the indicated alkyl halides, followed by reaction with piperazine:

MW Expl. found No. Systematic Name alkyl halide (M + H⁺) 6.13 1-[4-(Butane-1-sulfonyl)-2- Iodobutane 301.1 fluoro-phenyl]-piperazine 6.21 1-[2-Fluoro-4-(propane-2- 2-Iodopropane 287.0 sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazine 6.22 1-(4- Bromomethyl- 299.2 Cyclopropylmethanesulfonyl-2- cylopropane and fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine NaI 6.23 1-[2-Fluoro-4-(2-methoxy- 1-Iodo-2-methoxy- 303.1 ethanesulfonyl)-phenyl]- ethane piperazine

EXAMPLE 6.20 Preparation of 1-(4-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine (a) 4-(3-Chloro-propane-1-sulfonyl)-1,2-difluoro-benzene

To 28.3 mmol 3,4-difluoro-benzenesulfinic acid and 36.8 mmol triethylamine in 100 ml DMF was added 70.7 mmol 1-chloro-3-iodopropane and the mixture stirred at RT for 1 h. The reaction mixture was then poured onto water and extracted three times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were then washed with saturated aq. NaCl solution, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel (eluant: ethyl acetate/heptane gradient) to afford the title compound.

MS (m/e): 257.2 ({³⁷Cl}M+H⁺, 33%), 255.1 ({³⁵Cl}M+H⁺, 100%),

(b) 4-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-1,2-difluoro-benzene

To 11.8 mmol 4-(3-chloro-propane-1-sulfonyl)-1,2-difluoro-benzene in 400 ml THF at −78° C. was added dropwise over 30 min 14.2 mmol of a 0.9 M solution of potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide in THF. The reaction mixture was then allowed to warm to RT and stirring continued for a further 30 min at RT. The mixture was then quenched by addition of 1 M aq HCl and extracted three times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were dried with Na₂SO₄, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel (eluant: ethyl acetate/heptane 1:5) to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 219.2 (M+H⁺, 100%)

(c) 1-(4-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine

To 0.2 mmol 4-cyclopropanesulfonyl-1,2-difluoro-benzene in 5 ml N,N-dimethylacetamide was added 0.5 mmol piperazine and the mixture was heated at 80° C. for 90 min. The mixture was then concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 285.0 (M+H⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 6.24 Preparation of 1-(4-cyclobutanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine hydrochloride (a) 4-Cyclobutanesulfonyl-1,2-difluoro-benzene

To 5.6 mmol 3,4-difluoro-benzenesulfinic acid and 6.2 mmol triethylamine in 10 ml DMF were added 8.4 mmol bromocyclobutane and 0.2 mmol sodium iodide and the mixture heated at 100° C. for 48 h. The reaction mixture was then poured onto water and extracted three times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were then washed with saturated aq. NaCl solution, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel (eluant: ethyl acetate/heptane gradient) to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 233.1 (M+H⁺, 100%)

(b) 1-(4-Cyclobutanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine hydrochloride

To 2.8 mmol 4-cyclobutanesulfonyl-1,2-difluoro-benzene in 20 ml N,N-dimethylacetamide was added 8.3 mmol piperazine, and the mixture was heated at 80° C. for 45 min. The mixture was then concentrated in vacuo, and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel (eluant: ethyl acetate/methanol gradient). The product-containing fractions were combined and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was resuspended in 100 ml dioxane, and 6.0 mmol HCl (as a 4 M solution in dioxane) was added. After stirring for 10 min, the ensuing white crystals were collected by filtration, washing twice with ether, to afford the title compound.

MS (m/e): 299.1 (M+H⁺, 100%)

In analogy to Example 6.24 (a) and (b), compound 6.25 of the following table was prepared from the 3,4-difluoro-benzenesulfinic acid, bromocyclobutane and sodium iodide, followed by reaction with piperazine and subsequent treatment with HCl in dioxane.

MW found Expl. No Systematic Name Starting Materials (M + H⁺) 6.25 1-(4- difluoro- 313.3 Cyclopentanesulfonyl-2- benzenesulfinic acid fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine and hydrochloride) bromocyclopentane

EXAMPLE 6.26 Preparation of 1-[2-fluoro-4-(3,3,3-trifluoro-propane-1-sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazine (a) 1,2-Difluoro-4-(3,3,3-trifluoro-propylsulfanyl)-benzene

To 3.4 mmol 3,4-difluoro-thiophenol and 5.1 mmol 1-iodo-3,3,3-trifluoropropane in 5 ml acetone was added 3.7 mmol potassium carbonate, and the mixture heated at 140° C. for 3 h under microwave irradiation. The reaction mixture was then poured onto water and extracted three times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were then washed with saturated aq. NaCl solution, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 243.1 (M+H⁺, 100%)

(b) 1,2-Difluoro-4-(3,3,3-trifluoro-propane-1-sulfonyl)-benzene

To 3.0 mmol 1,2-difluoro-4-(3,3,3-trifluoro-propylsulfanyl)-benzene in 5 ml dichloromethane was added 8.3 mmol m-chloroperbenzoic acid, and the mixture heated at 50° C. for 48 h. The reaction mixture was then cooled to room temperature and diluted with dichloromethane and washed three times with saturated aq NaHCO3 solution. The organic phase was then washed with saturated aq. NaCl solution, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel (eluant: ethyl acetate/heptane gradient) to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 275.1 (M+H⁺, 100%)

(c) 1-[2-Fluoro-4-(3,3,3-trifluoro-propane-1-sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazine

To 0.5 mmol 1,2-difluoro-4-(3,3,3-trifluoro-propane-1-sulfonyl)-benzene in 5 ml N,N-dimethylacetamide was added 1.5 mmol piperazine, and the mixture was heated at 80° C. for 90 min. The mixture was then concentrated in vacuo, and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel (eluant: methanol/dichloromethane gradient) to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 341.2 (M+H⁺, 100%)

In analogy to Example 6.26 (a) to (c), compounds 6.27 and 6.28 of the following table were prepared from 3,4-difluoro-thiophenol and the indicated alkylating agent, followed by oxidation with m-chloroperbenzoic acid and reaction with piperazine:

MW found Expl No Systematic name Alkylating agent (M + H⁺) 6.27 1-[2-Fluoro-4- Toluene-4-sulfonic acid 329.1 (tetrahydro-pyran-4- tetrahydro-pyran-4-yl sulfonyl)-phenyl]- ester piperazine 6.28 1-(4- Iodocyclohexane 327.3 Cyclohexanesulfonyl-2- fluoro-phenyl)- piperazine

EXAMPLE 6.29 Preparation of 1-[2,3-difluoro-4-(propane-2-sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazine hydrochloride (a) 1,2,3-Trifluoro-4-(propane-2-sulfonyl)-benzene

To 20.4 mmol 2,3,4-trifluoro-benzenesulfinic acid (prepared in analogy to example 2.20(a) from 2,3,4-trifluoro-benzenesulfonyl chloride) and 61.2 mmol triethylamine in 20 ml DMF was added 40.8 mmol 2-iodopropane, and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 16 h. The reaction mixture was then poured onto water and extracted three times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were then washed twice with saturated aq. NaCl solution, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel (eluant: ethyl acetate/heptane 1:4) to afford the title compound.

MS (m/e): 239.1 (M+H⁺, 100%)

(b) 4-[2,3-Difluoro-4-(propane-2-sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

To 7.6 mmol 1,2,3-trifluoro-4-(propane-2-sulfonyl)-benzene in 20 ml N,N-dimethylacetamide was added 15.9 mmol tert-butyl-1-piperazine carboxylate, and the mixture was heated at 90° C. for 1 h. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel (eluant: ethyl acetate/heptane 1:2) to afford the title compound.

MS (m/e): 405.2 (M+H⁺, 100%)

(c) 1-[2,3-Difluoro-4-(propane-2-sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazine hydrochloride

To 7.5 mmol 4-[2,3-difluoro-4-(propane-2-sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester in 100 ml dioxane was added 30.2 mmol HCl (as a 4 M solution in dioxane), and the mixture was heated at 80° C. for 1 h. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature, and the ensuing white crystals were collected by filtration, washing twice with ether, to afford the title compound.

MS (m/e): 305.2 (M+H⁺, 100%)

In analogy to Example 6.29 (a) to (c), compounds 6.30, 6.32 and 6.33 of the following table were prepared from the indicated sulfinic acids and alkyl halides, followed by reaction with tert-butyl-1-piperazine carboxylate and hydrolysis with HCl in dioxane:

MW Expl. found No Systematic Name starting materials (M + H) 6.30 1-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-2,3- 2,3,4-trifluoro- 291.2 difluoro-phenyl)-piperazine benzenesulfinic acid and hydrochloride iodoethane 6.32 1-[2,5-Difluoro-4- 2,4,5-Trifluoro- 305.1 (propane-2-sulfonyl)- benzenesulfinic acid and phenyl]-piperazine 2-iodopropane hydrochloride 6.33 1-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-2,5- 2,4,5-Trifluoro- 291.1 difluoro-phenyl)-piperazine benzenesulfinic acid and hydrochloride iodoethane

EXAMPLE 6.31 Preparation of 1-(4-cyclopropanesulfonyl-2,3-difluoro-phenyl)-piperazine hydrochloride (a) 1-(3-Chloro-propane-1-sulfonyl)-2,3,4-trifluoro-benzene

To 30.6 mmol 2,3,4-trifluoro-benzenesulfinic acid (acid (prepared in analogy to example 2.20(a) from 2,3,4-trifluoro-benzenesulfonyl chloride) and 91.8 mmol triethylamine in 20 ml DMF was added 61.2 mmol 1-chloro-3-iodopropane, and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The reaction mixture was then poured onto water and extracted three times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were then washed twice with saturated aq. NaCl solution, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel (eluant: ethyl acetate/heptane 1:4) to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 275.2 ({³⁷Cl}M+H⁺, 33%), 273.1 ({³⁵Cl}M+H⁺, 100%),

(b) 1-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2,3,4-trifluoro-benzene

To 5.9 mmol 1-(3-chloro-propane-1-sulfonyl)-2,3,4-trifluoro-benzene in 200 ml THF at −78° C. was added dropwise over 30 min 7.0 mmol of a 0.9 M solution of potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide in THF. The reaction mixture was then allowed to warm to RT, and stirring continued for a further 30 min at RT. The mixture was then quenched by addition of 1 M aq HCl and extracted three times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were dried with Na₂SO₄, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel (eluant: ethyl acetate/heptane 1:4) to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 237.2 (M+H⁺, 100%)

(c) 4-(4-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2,3-difluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

To 4.2 mmol 1-cyclopropanesulfonyl-2,3,4-trifluoro-benzene in 20 ml N,N-dimethylacetamide was added 8.9 mmol tert-butyl-1-piperazine carboxylate, and the mixture was heated at 90° C. for 1 h. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel (eluant: dichloromethane/ethyl acetate gradient) to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 403.3 (M+H⁺, 100%)

(d) 1-(4-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2,3-difluoro-phenyl)-piperazine hydrochloride

To 3.7 mmol 4-(4-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2,3-difluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester in 100 ml dioxane was added 14.9 mmol HCl (as a 4 M solution in dioxane), and the mixture was heated at 80° C. for 1 h. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature, and the ensuing white crystals were collected by filtration, washing twice with ether, to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 303.2 (M+H⁺, 100%)

In analogy to Example 6.31 (a) to (d), compound 6.34 of the following table was prepared from the indicated sulfinic acid and alkyl halide, followed by treatment with potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide, reaction with tert-butyl-1-piperazine carboxylate and deprotection with HCl in dioxane:

MW Expl. found No Systematic Name starting materials (M + H) 6.34 1-(4-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2,5- 2,4,5-Trifluoro- 303.1 difluoro-phenyl)-piperazine benzenesulfinic hydrochloride acid and 2-iodopropane

EXAMPLE 6.35 Preparation of rac-2-Methyl-1-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine hydrochloride (a) rac-3-Methyl-4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

To 1-bromo-4-trifluoromethyl-benzene (1 g), rac-3-Methyl-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (1 g), in toluene (10 mL) was added sodium tert-butylate (0.6 g), 2-(dicyclohexylphosphino)biphenyl (31 mg), and tris(dibenzylideneacetone)Pd—CHCl₃ (23 mg). The reaction mixture was then stirred at 80° C. overnight. Ethyl acetate was then added to the reaction mixture. Solids were filtered off. The filtrate was then concentrated in vacuo, and the residue was purified by column chromatography to yield 0.46 g of the title compound.MS (m/e): 345.2 (M+H⁺, 100%)

(b) rac-2-Methyl-1-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine hydrochloride

To 0.58 mmol rac-3-methyl-4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester in 3 ml dioxane was added 8.7 mmol HCl (as a 4 M solution in dioxane), and the mixture was heated at 90° C. for 3 h. The mixture was then cooled 0° C. and diluted with 10 ml ether. The ensuing white crystals were collected by filtration, washing with ether, and dried in vacuo to afford the title compound.

MS (m/e): 245.1 (M+H⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 6.36 Preparation of 5-Acetyl-2-isopropoxy-benzoic acid (a) 5-Acetyl-2-isopropoxy-benzoic acid methyl ester

To 25.8 mmol methyl-5-acetyl-2-hydroxybenzoate, 28.3 mmol 2-propanol and 29.6 mmol triphenylphosphine in 100 ml THF was added 28.3 mmol di-tert-butyl azodicarboxylate, and the mixture was stirred at RT for 90 min. The mixture was then concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 237.1 (M+H⁺, 100%)

(b) 5-Acetyl-2-isopropoxy-benzoic acid

To 25.8 mmol 5-acetyl-2-isopropoxy-benzoic acid methyl ester in 100 ml THF was added 400 mmol 2 M aq NaOH, and the mixture was heated at 80° C. for 2 h. The mixture was then cooled to RT and extracted twice with ether. The aqueous phase was acidified with 15% aq hydrochloric acid and extracted 3 times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were dried with Na₂SO₄. Evaporation in vacuo followed by trituration in ether afforded the title compound. MS (m/e): 221.2 ([M−H]⁻, 100%)

In analogy to Example 5 compounds 472 to 619 of the following table were prepared from the acid derivatives and piperazine derivatives:

Expl.- MW found No. Systematic Name Starting materials (MH⁺) 472 3-[4-(4-Cyano-2-fluoro- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 433.2 phenyl)-piperazine-1- benzonitrile (WO9625414) and 2- carbonyl]-4-ethoxy- Ethoxy-5-sulfamoyl-benzoic acid benzenesulfonamide (JP53050139) 473 3-[4-(4-Cyano-3-fluoro- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 431.3 (M − H) phenyl)-piperazine-1- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) and 2- carbonyl]-4-ethoxy- Ethoxy-5-sulfamoyl-benzoic acid benzenesulfonamide (JP53050139) 474 3-[4-(4-Cyano-phenyl)- 4-Piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile 413.3 (M − H) piperazine-1-carbonyl]- (commercial) and 2-Ethoxy-5- 4-ethoxy- sulfamoyl-benzoic acid (JP53050139) benzenesulfonamide 475 3-[4-(4-Cyano-3-fluoro- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 475.1 phenyl)-piperazine-1- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) and 2- carbonyl]-4-isobutoxy- Isobutoxy-5-methylsulfamoyl- N-methyl- benzoic acid (compound 6.1) benzenesulfonamide 476 3-[4-(4-Cyano-3-fluoro- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 489.3 phenyl)-piperazine-1- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) and 2- carbonyl]-4-(2,2- (2,2-Dimethyl-propoxy)-5- dimethyl-propoxy)-N- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid methyl- (compound 6.2) benzenesulfonamide 477 3-[4-(4-Cyano-3-fluoro- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 461.2 phenyl)-piperazine-1- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) and 2- carbonyl]-4-isopropoxy- Isopropoxy-5-methylsulfamoyl- N-methyl- benzoic acid (compound 6.3) benzenesulfonamide 478 3-[4-(4-Cyano-3-fluoro- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 487.3 phenyl)-piperazine-1- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) and 2- carbonyl]-4- Cyclopentyloxy-5-methylsulfamoyl- cyclopentyloxy-N- benzoic acid (compound 6.4) methyl- benzenesulfonamide 479 3-[4-(4-Cyano-3-fluoro- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 473.1 phenyl)-piperazine-1- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) and 2- carbonyl]-4-cyclobutoxy- Cyclobutoxy-5-methylsulfamoyl- N-methyl- benzoic acid (compound 6.5) benzenesulfonamide 480 3-[4-(4-Cyano-3-fluoro- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 473.2 phenyl)-piperazine-1- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) and 2- carbonyl]-4- Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- cyclopropylmethoxy-N- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid methyl- (compound 6.6) benzenesulfonamide 481 3-[4-(4-Cyano-3-fluoro- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 487.3 phenyl)-piperazine-1- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) and 2- carbonyl]-4- Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- cyclobutylmethoxy-N- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid methyl- (compound 6.7) benzenesulfonamide 482 3-[4-(4-Cyano-3-fluoro- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 503.2 phenyl)-piperazine-1- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) and 5- carbonyl]-N-methyl-4- Methylsulfamoyl-2-(tetrahydro- (tetrahydro-pyran-4- pyran-4-yloxy)-benzoic acid yloxy)- (compound 6.8) benzenesulfonamide 483 3-[4-(4-Cyano-3-fluoro- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 477.3 phenyl)-piperazine-1- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) and 2- carbonyl]-4-(2-methoxy- (2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-5- ethoxy)-N-methyl- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid benzenesulfonamide (compound 6.9) 484 3-[4-(4-Cyano-3-fluoro- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 515.2 phenyl)-piperazine-1- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) and 5- carbonyl]-N-methyl-4- Methylsulfamoyl-2-(3,3,3-trifluoro- (3,3,3-trifluoro- propoxy)-benzoic acid (compound propoxy)- 6.10) benzenesulfonamide 485 3-[4-(4-Cyano-phenyl)- 4-Piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile 459.1 piperazine-1-carbonyl]- (commercial) and 2-(2-Methoxy- 4-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)- ethoxy)-5-methylsulfamoyl-benzoic N-methyl- acid (compound 6.9) benzenesulfonamide 486 3-[4-(4-Cyano-phenyl)- 4-Piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile 497.0 piperazine-1-carbonyl]- (commercial) and 5- N-methyl-4-(3,3,3- Methylsulfamoyl-2-(3,3,3-trifluoro- trifluoro-propoxy)- propoxy)-benzoic acid (compound benzenesulfonamide 6.10) 487 3-[4-(4-Cyano-phenyl)- 4-Piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile 485.2 piperazine-1-carbonyl]- (commercial) and 5- N-methyl-4-(tetrahydro- Methylsulfamoyl-2-(tetrahydro- pyran-4-yloxy)- pyran-4-yloxy)-benzoic acid benzenesulfonamide (compound 6.8) 488 3-[4-(4-Cyano-phenyl)- 4-Piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile 457.3 piperazine-1-carbonyl]- (commercial) and 2-Isobutoxy-5- 4-isobutoxy-N-methyl- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid benzenesulfonamide (compound 6.1) 489 3-[4-(4-Cyano-phenyl)- 4-Piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile 471.1 piperazine-1-carbonyl]- (commercial) and 2-(2,2-Dimethyl- 4-(2,2-dimethyl- propoxy)-5-methylsulfamoyl- propoxy)-N-methyl- benzoic acid (compound 6.2) benzenesulfonamide 490 3-[4-(4-Cyano-phenyl)- 4-Piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile 443.2 piperazine-1-carbonyl]- (commercial) and 2-Isopropoxy-5- 4-isopropoxy-N-methyl- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid benzenesulfonamide (compound 6.3) 491 3-[4-(4-Cyano-phenyl)- 4-Piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile 469.2 piperazine-1-carbonyl]- (commercial) and 2-Cyclopentyloxy- 4-cyclopentyloxy-N- 5-methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid methyl- (compound 6.4) benzenesulfonamide 492 3-[4-(4-Cyano-phenyl)- 4-Piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile 455.3 piperazine-1-carbonyl]- (commercial) and 2-Cyclobutoxy-5- 4-cyclobutoxy-N-methyl- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid benzenesulfonamide (compound 6.5) 493 3-[4-(4-Cyano-phenyl)- 4-Piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile 455.3 piperazine-1-carbonyl]- (commercial) and 2- 4-cyclopropylmethoxy- Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- N-methyl- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid benzenesulfonamide (compound 6.6) 494 3-[4-(4-Cyano-phenyl)- 4-Piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile 469.2 piperazine-1-carbonyl]- (commercial) and 2- 4-cyclobutylmethoxy-N- Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- methyl- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid benzenesulfonamide (compound 6.7) 495 3-[4-(2-Fluoro-4- 1-(2-Fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl- 528.0 methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine (commercial) phenyl)-piperazine-1- and 2-Isobutoxy-5- carbonyl]-4-isobutoxy- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid N-methyl- (compound 6.1) benzenesulfonamide 496 4-(2,2-Dimethyl- 1-(2-Fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl- 559.2 (M + NH4+) propoxy)-3-[4-(2-fluoro- phenyl)-piperazine (commercial) 4-methanesulfonyl- and 2-(2,2-Dimethyl-propoxy)-5- phenyl)-piperazine-1- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid carbonyl]-N-methyl- (compound 6.2) benzenesulfonamide 497 3-[4-(2-Fluoro-4- 1-(2-Fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl- 514.1 methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine (commercial) phenyl)-piperazine-1- and 2-Isopropoxy-5- carbonyl]-4-isopropoxy- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid N-methyl- (compound 6.3) benzenesulfonamide 498 4-Cyclopentyloxy-3-[4- 1-(2-Fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl- 557.0 (M + NH4+) (2-fluoro-4- phenyl)-piperazine (commercial) methanesulfonyl- and 2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- phenyl)-piperazine-1- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid carbonyl]-N-methyl- (compound 6.4) benzenesulfonamide 499 4-Cyclobutoxy-3-[4-(2- 1-(2-Fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl- 526.0 fluoro-4- phenyl)-piperazine (commercial) methanesulfonyl- and 2-Cyclobutoxy-5- phenyl)-piperazine-1- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid carbonyl]-N-methyl- (compound 6.5) benzenesulfonamide 500 4-Cyclopropylmethoxy- 1-(2-Fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl- 526.0 3-[4-(2-fluoro-4- phenyl)-piperazine (commercial) methanesulfonyl- and 2-Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- phenyl)-piperazine-1- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid carbonyl]-N-methyl- (compound 6.6) benzenesulfonamide 501 4-Cyclobutylmethoxy-3- 1-(2-Fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl- 557.0 (M + NH4+) [4-(2-fluoro-4- phenyl)-piperazine (commercial) methanesulfonyl- and 2-Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- phenyl)-piperazine-1- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid carbonyl]-N-methyl- (compound 6.7) benzenesulfonamide 502 3-[4-(2-Fluoro-4- 1-(2-Fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl- 530.1 methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine (commercial) phenyl)-piperazine-1- and 2-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-5- carbonyl]-4-(2-methoxy- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid ethoxy)-N-methyl- (compound 6.9) benzenesulfonamide 503 3-[4-(2-Fluoro-4- 1-(2-Fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl- 585.0 (M + NH4+) methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine (commercial) phenyl)-piperazine-1- and 5-Methylsulfamoyl-2-(3,3,3- carbonyl]-N-methyl-4- trifluoro-propoxy)-benzoic acid (3,3,3-trifluoro- (compound 6.10) propoxy)- benzenesulfonamide 504 3-[4-(4-Cyano-2-fluoro- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 475.0 phenyl)-piperazine-1- benzonitrile (WO9625414) and 2- carbonyl]-4-isobutoxy- Isobutoxy-5-methylsulfamoyl- N-methyl- benzoic acid (compound 6.1) benzenesulfonamide 505 3-[4-(4-Cyano-2-fluoro- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 489.0 phenyl)-piperazine-1- benzonitrile (WO9625414) and 2- carbonyl]-4-(2,2- (2,2-Dimethyl-propoxy)-5- dimethyl-propoxy)-N- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid methyl- (compound 6.2) benzenesulfonamide 506 3-[4-(4-Cyano-2-fluoro- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 478.0 (M + NH4+) phenyl)-piperazine-1- benzonitrile (WO9625414) and 2- carbonyl]-4-isopropoxy- Isopropoxy-5-methylsulfamoyl- N-methyl- benzoic acid (compound 6.3) benzenesulfonamide 507 3-[4-(4-Cyano-2-fluoro- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 487.1 phenyl)-piperazine-1- benzonitrile (WO9625414) and 2- carbonyl]-4- Cyclopentyloxy-5-methylsulfamoyl- cyclopentyloxy-N- benzoic acid (compound 6.4) methyl- benzenesulfonamide 508 3-[4-(4-Cyano-2-fluoro- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 472.8 phenyl)-piperazine-1- benzonitrile (WO9625414) and- carbonyl]-4-cyclobutoxy- Cyclobutoxy-5-methylsulfamoyl- N-methyl- benzoic acid (compound 6.5) benzenesulfonamide 509 3-[4-(4-Cyano-2-fluoro- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 472.8 phenyl)-piperazine-1- benzonitrile (WO9625414) and 2- carbonyl]-4- Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- cyclopropylmethoxy-N- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid methyl- (compound 6.6) benzenesulfonamide 510 3-[4-(4-Cyano-2-fluoro- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 487.1 phenyl)-piperazine-1- benzonitrile (WO9625414) and 2- carbonyl]-4- Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- cyclobutylmethoxy-N- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid methyl- (compound 6.7) benzenesulfonamide 511 3-[4-(4-Cyano-2-fluoro- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 503.0 phenyl)-piperazine-1- benzonitrile (WO9625414) and 5- carbonyl]-N-methyl-4- Methylsulfamoyl-2-(tetrahydro- (tetrahydro-pyran-4- pyran-4-yloxy)-benzoic acid yloxy)- (compound 6.8) benzenesulfonamide 512 3-[4-(4-Cyano-2-fluoro- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 477.1 phenyl)-piperazine-1- benzonitrile (WO9625414) and 2-(2- carbonyl]-4-(2-methoxy- Methoxy-ethoxy)-5- ethoxy)-N-methyl- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid benzenesulfonamide (compound 6.9) 513 3-[4-(4-Cyano-2-fluoro- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 515.1 phenyl)-piperazine-1- benzonitrile (WO9625414) and 5- carbonyl]-N-methyl-4- Methylsulfamoyl-2-(3,3,3-trifluoro- (3,3,3-trifluoro- propoxy)-benzoic acid (compound propoxy)- 6.10) benzenesulfonamide 514 3-[4-(4-Acetyl-2-fluoro- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 492.1 phenyl)-piperazine-1- phenyl)-ethanone (WO9714690) and carbonyl]-4-isobutoxy- 2-Isobutoxy-5-methylsulfamoyl- N-methyl- benzoic acid (compound 6.1) benzenesulfonamide 515 3-[4-(4-Acetyl-2-fluoro- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 506.3 phenyl)-piperazine-1- phenyl)-ethanone (WO9714690) and carbonyl]-4-(2,2- 2-(2,2-Dimethyl-propoxy)-5- dimethyl-propoxy)-N- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid methyl- (compound 6.2) benzenesulfonamide 516 3-[4-(4-Acetyl-2-fluoro- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 478.2 phenyl)-piperazine-1- phenyl)-ethanone (WO9714690) and carbonyl]-4-isopropoxy- 2-Isopropoxy-5-methylsulfamoyl- N-methyl- benzoic acid (compound 6.3) benzenesulfonamide 517 3-[4-(4-Acetyl-2-fluoro- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 504.2 phenyl)-piperazine-1- phenyl)-ethanone (WO9714690) and carbonyl]-4- 2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- cyclopentyloxy-N- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid methyl- (compound 6.4) benzenesulfonamide 518 3-[4-(4-Acetyl-2-fluoro- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 590.6 phenyl)-piperazine-1- phenyl)-ethanone (WO9714690) and carbonyl]-4-cyclobutoxy- 2-Cyclobutoxy-5-methylsulfamoyl- N-methyl- benzoic acid (compound 6.5) benzenesulfonamide 519 3-[4-(4-Acetyl-2-fluoro- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 490.2 phenyl)-piperazine-1- phenyl)-ethanone (WO9714690) and carbonyl]-4- 2-Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- cyclopropylmethoxy-N- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid methyl- (compound 6.6) benzenesulfonamide 520 3-[4-(4-Acetyl-2-fluoro- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 504.2 phenyl)-piperazine-1- phenyl)-ethanone (WO9714690) and carbonyl]-4- 2-Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- cyclobutylmethoxy-N- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid methyl- (compound 6.7) benzenesulfonamide 521 3-[4-(4-Acetyl-2-fluoro- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 520.3 phenyl)-piperazine-1- phenyl)-ethanone (WO9714690) and carbonyl]-N-methyl-4- 5-Methylsulfamoyl-2-(tetrahydro- (tetrahydro-pyran-4- pyran-4-yloxy)-benzoic acid yloxy)- (compound 6.8) benzenesulfonamide 522 3-[4-(4-Acetyl-2-fluoro- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 494.2 phenyl)-piperazine-1- phenyl)-ethanone (WO9714690) and carbonyl]-4-(2-methoxy- 2-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-5- ethoxy)-N-methyl- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid benzenesulfonamide (compound 6.9) 523 3-[4-(4-Acetyl-2-fluoro- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 532.2 phenyl)-piperazine-1- phenyl)-ethanone (WO9714690) and carbonyl]-N-methyl-4- 5-Methylsulfamoyl-2-(3,3,3- (3,3,3-trifluoro- trifluoro-propoxy)-benzoic acid propoxy)- (compound 6.10) benzenesulfonamide 524 4-Isobutoxy-N-methyl-3- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 500.2 [4-(4-trifluoromethyl- piperazine (commercial) and 2- phenyl)-piperazine-1- Isobutoxy-5-methylsulfamoyl- carbonyl]- benzoic acid (compound 6.1) benzenesulfonamide 525 4-(2,2-Dimethyl- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 514.2 propoxy)-N-methyl-3- piperazine (commercial) and 2-(2,2- [4-(4-trifluoromethyl- Dimethyl-propoxy)-5- phenyl)-piperazine-1- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid carbonyl]- (compound 6.2) benzenesulfonamide 526 4-Isopropoxy-N-methyl- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 486.2 3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl- piperazine (commercial) and 2- phenyl)-piperazine-1- Isopropoxy-5-methylsulfamoyl- carbonyl]- benzoic acid (compound 6.3) benzenesulfonamide 527 4-Cyclopentyloxy-N- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 512.3 methyl-3-[4-(4- piperazine (commercial) and 2- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- Cyclopentyloxy-5-methylsulfamoyl- piperazine-1-carbonyl]- benzoic acid (compound 6.4) benzenesulfonamide 528 4-Cyclobutoxy-N- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 498.2 methyl-3-[4-(4- piperazine (commercial) and 2- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- Cyclobutoxy-5-methylsulfamoyl- piperazine-1-carbonyl]- benzoic acid (compound 6.5) benzenesulfonamide 529 4-Cyclopropylmethoxy- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 498.2 N-methyl-3-[4-(4- piperazine (commercial) and 2- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- piperazine-1-carbonyl]- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid benzenesulfonamide (compound 6.6) 530 4-Cyclobutylmethoxy-N- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 512.3 methyl-3-[4-(4- piperazine (commercial) and 2- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- piperazine-1-carbonyl]- methylsulfamoyl-benzoic acid benzenesulfonamide (compound 6.7) 531 N-Methyl-3-[4-(4- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 540.2 trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazine (commercial) and 5- piperazine-1-carbonyl]- Methylsulfamoyl-2-(3,3,3-trifluoro- 4-(3,3,3-trifluoro- propoxy)-benzoic acid (compound propoxy)- 6.10) benzenesulfonamide 532 3-[4-(4-Cyano-3-fluoro- 2-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 501.1 phenyl)-piperazine-1- benzonitrile (WO 9808835) and 5- carbonyl]-N-methyl-4- Methylsulfamoyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro- (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- ethoxy)-benzoic acid (compound benzenesulfonamide 6.11) 533 3-[4-(4-Cyano-phenyl)- 4-Piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile 483.3 piperazine-1-carbonyl]- (commercial) and 5- N-methyl-4-(2,2,2- Methylsulfamoyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro- trifluoro-ethoxy)- ethoxy)-benzoic acid (compound benzenesulfonamide 6.11) 534 3-[4-(4-Cyano-2-fluoro- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 501.1 phenyl)-piperazine-1- benzonitrile (WO9625414) and 5- carbonyl]-N-methyl-4- Methylsulfamoyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro- (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- ethoxy)-benzoic acid (compound benzenesulfonamide 6.11) 535 3-[4-(4-Acetyl-2-fluoro- 1-(3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 518.2 phenyl)-piperazine-1- phenyl)-ethanone (WO9714690) and carbonyl]-N-methyl-4- 5-Methylsulfamoyl-2-(2,2,2- (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic acid benzenesulfonamide (compound 6.11) 536 3-[4-(2-Fluoro-4- 1-(2-Fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl- 554.1 methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine (commercial) phenyl)-piperazine-1- and 5-Methylsulfamoyl-2-(2,2,2- carbonyl]-N-methyl-4- trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic acid (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- (compound 6.11) benzenesulfonamide 537 N-Methyl-4-(2,2,2- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 526.0 trifluoro-ethoxy)-3-[4- piperazine (commercial) and 5- (4-trifluoromethyl- Methylsulfamoyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro- phenyl)-piperazine-1- ethoxy)-benzoic acid (compound carbonyl]-benzene 6.11) sulfonamide 538 [4-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-2- 1-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 513.3 fluoro-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazine (compound 6.12) piperazin-1-yl]-(2- and 2-Isopropoxy-5- isopropoxy-5- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid methanesulfonyl- (compound 1.2) phenyl)-methanone 539 {4-[4-(Butane-1- 1-[4-(Butane-1-sulfonyl)-2-fluoro- 541.0 sulfonyl)-2-fluoro- phenyl]-piperazine(compound 6.13) phenyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- and 2-Isopropoxy-5- (2-isopropoxy-5- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid methanesulfonyl- (compound 1.2) phenyl)-methanone 540 4-[4-(5- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 472.3 Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2- benzonitrile (WO9625414) and 5- isopropoxy-benzoyl)- Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-isopropoxy- piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro- benzoic acid (compound 6.14) benzonitrile 541 (5-Cyclopropane 1-(2-Fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 515.4 sulfonyl-2-isopropoxy- piperazine (compound 1.1) and 5- phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4- Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-isopropoxy- trifluoro methyl-phenyl)- benzoic acid (compound 6.14) piperazin-1-yl]- methanone 542 (5-Cyclopropane 1-(2-Fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl- 539.5 sulfonyl-2-isobutoxy- phenyl)-piperazine (commercial) phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4- and 5-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2- methane sulfonyl- isobutoxy-benzoic acid (compound phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- 6.15) methanone 543 4-[4-(5-Cyclopropane 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 486.5 sulfonyl-2-isobutoxy- benzonitrile (WO9625414) and 5- benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-isobutoxy- 3-fluoro-benzonitrile benzoic acid (compound 6.15) 544 (5-Cyclopropane 1-(2-Fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 529.4 sulfonyl-2-isobutoxy- piperazine (compound 1.1) and 5- phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4- Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-isobutoxy- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- benzoic acid (compound 6.15) piperazin-1-yl]- methanone 545 (2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- 1-(2-Fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl- 551.3 cyclopropanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine (commercial) phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4- and 2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- methanesulfonyl- cyclopropanesulfonyl-benzoic acid phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 6.16) methanone 546 4-[4-(2-Cyclopentyloxy- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 498.3 5-cyclopropanesulfonyl- benzonitrile (WO9625414) and 2- benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- Cyclopentyloxy-5-cyclopropane 3-fluoro-benzonitrile sulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 6.16) 547 (2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- 1-(2-Fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 541.3 cyclopropanesulfonyl- piperazine (compound 1.1) and 2- phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4- Cyclopentyloxy-5- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- cyclopropanesulfonyl-benzoic acid piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 6.16) methanone 548 (5-Cyclopropane 1-(2-Fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl- 537.4 sulfonyl-2-cyclopropyl phenyl)-piperazine (commercial) methoxy-phenyl)-[4-(2- and 5-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2- fluoro-4-methane cyclopropylmethoxy-benzoic acid sulfonyl-phenyl)- (compound 6.17) piperazin-1-yl]- methanone 549 4-[4-(5-Cyclopropane 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 484.5 sulfonyl-2-cyclopropyl benzonitrile (WO9625414) and 5- methoxy-benzoyl)- Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2- piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro- cyclopropylmethoxy-benzoic acid benzonitrile (compound 6.17) 550 (5-Cyclopropane 1-(2-Fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 527.3 sulfonyl-2-cyclopropyl piperazine (compound 1.1) and 5- methoxy-phenyl)-[4-(2- Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2- fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl- cyclopropylmethoxy-benzoic acid phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 6.17) methanone 551 (2-Cyclobutoxy-5- 1-(2-Fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl- 537.4 cyclopropanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine (commercial) phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4- and 2-Cyclobutoxy-5- methanesulfonyl- cyclopropanesulfonyl-benzoic acid phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 6.18) methanone 552 (5-Cyclopropane 1-(2-Fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl- 525.3 sulfonyl-2-isopropoxy- phenyl)-piperazine (commercial) phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4- and 5-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2- methanesulfonyl- isopropoxy-benzoic acid phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 6.14) methanone 553 rac-3-[4-(2-Fluoro-4- 1-(2-Fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl- 585.1 (M + NH4+) methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine (commercial) phenyl)-piperazine-1- and rac-5-Methylsulfamoyl-2-(2,2,2- carbonyl]-N-methyl-4- trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- acid (compound 6.19) methyl-ethoxy)- benzenesulfonamide 554 rac-N-Methyl-4-(2,2,2- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 557.2 (M + NH4+) trifluoro-1-methyl- piperazine (commercial) and rac-5- ethoxy)-3-[4-(4- Methylsulfamoyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid piperazine-1-carbonyl]- (compound 6.19) benzenesulfonamide 555 rac-3-[4-(4-Cyano-2- 3-Fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 532.3 (M + NH4+) fluoro-phenyl)- benzonitrile (WO9625414) and rac- piperazine-1-carbonyl]- 5-Methylsulfamoyl-2-(2,2,2- N-methyl-4-(2,2,2- trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic trifluoro-1-methyl- acid (compound 6.19) ethoxy)-benzene sulfonamide 556 [4-(4-Cyclopropane 1-(4-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 542.2 (M + NH4+) sulfonyl-2-fluoro- phenyl)-piperazine (compound 6.20) phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Isopropoxy-5-methane (2-isopropoxy-5- sulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound methanesulfonyl- 1.2) phenyl)-methanone 557 rac-3-[4-(4-Cyano-2,5- 2,5-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 550.1 (M + NH4+) difluoro-phenyl)- benzonitrile-trifluoro-acetic acid piperazine-1-carbonyl]- (compound 2.8) and rac-5- N-methyl-4-(2,2,2- Methylsulfamoyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro- trifluoro-1-methyl- 1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid ethoxy)-benzene (compound 6.19) sulfonamide 558 rac-3-[4-(4-Cyano-2,3- 2,3-Difluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl- 550.1 (M + NH4+) difluoro-phenyl)- benzonitrile-trifluoro-acetic acid piperazine-1-carbonyl]- (compound 2.7) and rac-5- N-methyl-4-(2,2,2- Methylsulfamoyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro- trifluoro-1-methyl- 1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid ethoxy)-benzene (compound 6.19) sulfonamide 559 {4-[2-Fluoro-4- 1-[2-Fluoro-4-(propane-2-sulfonyl)- 544.3 (M + NH4+) (propane-2-sulfonyl)- phenyl]-piperazine (compound 6.21) phenyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- and 2-Isopropoxy-5-methane (2-isopropoxy-5- sulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound methanesulfonyl- 1.2) phenyl)-methanone 560 [4-(4- 1-(4-Cyclopropylmethanesulfonyl-2- 556.2 (M + NH4+) Cyclopropylmethanesulfonyl- fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine 2-fluoro-phenyl)- (compound 6.22) and 2-Isopropoxy- piperazin-1-yl]-(2- 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid isopropoxy-5- (compound 1.2) methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-methanone 561 {4-[2-Fluoro-4-(2- 1-[2-Fluoro-4-(2-methoxy- 560.3 (M + NH4+) methoxy- ethanesulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazine ethanesulfonyl)-phenyl]- (compound 6.23) and 2-Isopropoxy- piperazin-1-yl}-(2- 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid isopropoxy-5- (compound 1.2) methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-methanone 562 (2-Cyclopropylmethoxy- 1-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 542.2 (M + NH4+) 5-methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine (compound 6.12) phenyl)-[4-(4- and 2-Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 1.4) methanone 563 (2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- 1-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 556.1 (M + NH4+) methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine (compound 6.12) phenyl)-[4-(4- and 2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 1.6) methanone 564 (2-Cyclohexyloxy-5- 1-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 570.2 (M + NH4+) methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine (compound 6.12) phenyl)-[4-(4- and 2-Cyclohexyloxy-5- ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 3.2) methanone 565 [2-(2,2-Dimethyl- 1-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 558.2 (M + NH4+) propoxy)-5- phenyl)-piperazine (compound 6.12) methanesulfonyl- and 2-(2,2-Dimethyl-propoxy)-5- phenyl]-[4-(4- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- (compound 3.3) phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- methanone 566 [4-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-2- 1-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 544.2 (M + NH4+) fluoro-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazine (compound 6.12) piperazin-1-yl]-(2- and 2-Isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- isobutoxy-5- benzoic acid (compound 1.3) methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-methanone 567 (2-Cyclobutoxy-5- 1-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 542.3 (M + NH4+) methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine (compound 6.12) phenyl)-[4-(4- and 2-Cyclobutoxy-5- ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 3.4) methanone 568 rac-(2-sec-Butoxy-5- 1-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 544.2 (M + NH4+) methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine (compound 6.12) phenyl)-[4-(4- and rac-2-sec-Butoxy-5- ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 3.5) methanone 569 (2-Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- 1-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 556.1 (M + NH4+) methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine (compound 6.12) phenyl)-[4-(4- and 2-Cyclobutylmethoxy-5- ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 2.12) methanone 570 [4-(4- 1-(4-Cyclobutanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 556.1 (M + NH4+) Cyclobutanesulfonyl-2- phenyl)-piperazine hydrochloride fluoro-phenyl)- (compound 6.24) and 2-Isopropoxy- piperazin-1-yl]-(2- 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid isopropoxy-5- (compound 1.2) methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-methanone 571 [4-(4-Cyclopentane 1-(4-Cyclopentanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 570.3 (M + NH4+) sulfonyl-2-fluoro- phenyl)-piperazine hydrochloride phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 6.25) and 2-Isopropoxy- (2-isopropoxy-5- 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid methanesulfonyl- (compound 1.2) phenyl)-methanone 572 [4-(4-Cyclopropane 1-(4-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 537.2 sulfonyl-2-fluoro- phenyl)-piperazine (compound 6.20) phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- (2-cyclopropylmethoxy- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid 5-methanesulfonyl- (compound 1.4) phenyl)-methanone 573 (2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- 1-(4-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 568.0 (M + NH4+) methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine (compound 6.20) phenyl)-[4-(4- and 2-Cyclopentyloxy-5- cyclopropanesulfonyl-2- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid fluoro-phenyl)- (compound 1.6) piperazin-1-yl]- methanone 574 (2-Cyclohexyloxy-5- 1-(4-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 582.1 (M + NH4+) methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine (compound 6.20) phenyl)-[4-(4- and 2-Cyclohexyloxy-5-methane cyclopropanesulfonyl-2- sulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound fluoro-phenyl)- 3.2) piperazin-1-yl]- methanone 575 [4-(4-Cyclopropane 1-(4-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 570.2 (M + NH4+) sulfonyl-2-fluoro- phenyl)-piperazine (compound 6.20) phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-(2,2-Dimethyl-propoxy)-5- [2-(2,2-dimethyl- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid propoxy)-5- (compound 3.3) methanesulfonyl- phenyl]-methanone 576 (2-Cyclobutoxy-5- 1-(4-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 536.9 methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine (compound 6.20) phenyl)-[4-(4- and 2-Cyclobutoxy-5-methane cyclopropanesulfonyl-2- sulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound fluoro-phenyl)- 3.4) piperazin-1-yl]- methanone 577 {4-[2-Fluoro-4-(3,3,3- 1-[2-Fluoro-4-(3,3,3-trifluoro- 581.0 trifluoro-propane-1- propane-1-sulfonyl)-phenyl]- sulfonyl)-phenyl]- piperazine (compound 6.26) and 2- piperazin-1-yl}-(2- Isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- isopropoxy-5- benzoic acid (compound 1.2) methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-methanone 578 [4-(4-Cyclopropane 1-(4-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 556.1 (M + NH4+) sulfonyl-2-fluoro- phenyl)-piperazine (compound 6.20) phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- (2-isobutoxy-5- benzoic acid (compound 1.3) methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-methanone 579 {4-[2-Fluoro-4- 1-[2-Fluoro-4-(tetrahydro-pyran-4- 586.2 (M + NH4+) (tetrahydro-pyran-4- sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazine sulfonyl)-phenyl]- (compound 6.27) and 2- piperazin-1-yl}-(2- Isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- isopropoxy-5- benzoic acid (compound 1.2) methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-methanone 580 (2-tert-Butoxy-5- 1-[2-Fluoro-4-(propane-2-sulfonyl)- 558.2 (M + NH4+) methanesulfonyl- phenyl]-piperazine (compound 6.21) phenyl)-{4-[2-fluoro-4- and 2-tert-Butoxy-5-methane (propane-2-sulfonyl)- sulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound phenyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- 2.19) methanone 581 (2-tert-Butoxy-5- 1-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 544.2 (M + NH4+) methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine (compound 6.12) phenyl)-[4-(4- and 2-tert-Butoxy-5-methane ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- sulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- 2.19) methanone 582 (2-tert-Butoxy-5- 1-(4-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 556.1 (M + NH4+) methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine (compound 6.20) phenyl)-[4-(4- and 2-tert-Butoxy-5-methane cyclopropanesulfonyl-2- sulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound fluoro-phenyl)- 2.19) piperazin-1-yl]- methanone 583 {4-[2-Fluoro-4- 1-[2-Fluoro-4-(propane-2-sulfonyl)- 584.1 (M + NH4+) (propane-2-sulfonyl)- phenyl]-piperazine (compound 6.21) phenyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- [5-methanesulfonyl-2- trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic acid (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- (compound 1.5) phenyl]-methanone 584 [4-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-2- 1-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 570.3 (M + NH4+) fluoro-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazine (compound 6.12) piperazin-1-yl]-[5- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- methanesulfonyl-2- trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic acid (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- (compound 1.5) phenyl]-methanone 585 [4-(4-Cyclopropane 1-(4-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 582.1 (M + NH4+) sulfonyl-2-fluoro- phenyl)-piperazine (compound 6.20) phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- [5-methanesulfonyl-2- trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic acid (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- (compound 1.5) phenyl]-methanone 586 rac{4-[2-Fluoro-4- 1-[2-Fluoro-4-(propane-2-sulfonyl)- 598.2 (M + NH4+) (propane-2-sulfonyl)- phenyl]-piperazine (compound 6.21) phenyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- and rac-5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- [5-methanesulfonyl-2- trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- acid (compound 3.1) methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- methanone 587 rac-[4-(4-Ethane 1-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 584.1 (M + NH4+) sulfonyl-2-fluoro- phenyl)-piperazine (compound 6.12) phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and rac-5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- [5-methanesulfonyl-2- trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- acid (compound 3.1) methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- methanone 588 rac-[4-(4-Cyclopropane 1-(4-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 596.2 (M + NH4+) sulfonyl-2-fluoro- phenyl)-piperazine (compound 6.20) phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and rac-5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- [5-methanesulfonyl-2- trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- acid (compound 3.1) methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- methanone 589 [4-(4-Cyclohexane 1-(4-Cyclohexanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 584.3 (M + NH4+) sulfonyl-2-fluoro- phenyl)-piperazine (compound 6.28) phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- and 2-Isopropoxy-5-methane (2-isopropoxy-5- sulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound methanesulfonyl- 1.2) phenyl)-methanone 590 {4-[2,3-Difluoro-4- 1-[2,3-Difluoro-4-(propane-2- 545.2 (propane-2-sulfonyl)- sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazine phenyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- hydrochloride (compound 6.29) and (2-isopropoxy-5- 2-Isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl- benzoic acid (compound 1.2) phenyl)-methanone 591 [4-(4-Ethanesulfonyl- 1-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-2,3-difluoro- 531.1 2,3-difluoro-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazine hydrochloride piperazin-1-yl]-(2- (compound 6.30) and 2-Isopropoxy- isopropoxy-5- 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid methanesulfonyl- (compound 1.2) phenyl)-methanone 592 [4-(4-Cyclopropane 1-(4-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2,3- 543.3 sulfonyl-2,3-difluoro- difluoro-phenyl)-piperazine phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- hydrochloride (compound 6.31) and (2-isopropoxy-5- 2-Isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl- benzoic acid (compound 1.2) phenyl)-methanone 593 {4-[2,5-Difluoro-4- 1-[2,5-Difluoro-4-(propane-2- 545.2 (propane-2-sulfonyl)- sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazine phenyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- hydrochloride (compound 6.32) and (2-isopropoxy-5- 2-Isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl- benzoic acid (compound 1.2) phenyl)-methanone 594 [4-(4-Ethanesulfonyl- 1-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-2,5-difluoro- 531.1 2,5-difluoro-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazine hydrochloride piperazin-1-yl]-(2- (compound 6.33) and 2-Isopropoxy- isopropoxy-5- 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid methanesulfonyl- (compound 1.2) phenyl)-methanone 595 [4-(4-Cyclopropane 1-(4-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2,5- 543.3 sulfonyl-2,5-difluoro- difluoro-phenyl)-piperazine phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- hydrochloride (compound 6.34) and (2-isopropoxy-5- 2-Isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl- benzoic acid (compound 1.2) phenyl)-methanone 596 (2-tert-Butoxy-5- 1-(4-Cyclobutanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 553.6 methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine hydrochloride phenyl)-[4-(4- (compound 6.24) and 2-tert-Butoxy- cyclobutanesulfonyl-2- 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid fluoro-phenyl)- (compound 2.19) piperazin-1-yl]- methanone 597 (2-tert-Butoxy-5- 1-[2,3-Difluoro-4-(propane-2- 503.1 (M-tBu + H) methanesulfonyl- sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazine phenyl)-{4-[2,3-difluoro- hydrochloride (compound 6.29) and 4-(propane-2-sulfonyl)- 2-tert-Butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- phenyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- benzoic acid (compound 2.19) methanone 598 (2-tert-Butoxy-5- 1-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-2,3-difluoro- 489.2 (M-tBu + H) methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine hydrochloride phenyl)-[4-(4- (compound 6.30) and 2-tert-Butoxy- ethanesulfonyl-2,3- 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid difluoro-phenyl)- (compound 2.19) piperazin-1-yl]- methanone 599 (2-tert-Butoxy-5- 1-(4-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2,3- 501.1 (M-tBu + H) methanesulfonyl- difluoro-phenyl)-piperazine phenyl)-[4-(4- hydrochloride (compound 6.31) and cyclopropanesulfonyl- 2-tert-Butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- 2,3-difluoro-phenyl)- benzoic acid (compound 2.19) piperazin-1-yl]- methanone 600 (2-tert-Butoxy-5- 1-[2,5-Difluoro-4-(propane-2- 503.2 (M-tBu + H) methanesulfonyl- sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazine phenyl)-{4-[2,5-difluoro- hydrochloride (compound 6.32) and 4-(propane-2-sulfonyl)- 2-tert-Butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- phenyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- benzoic acid (compound 2.19) methanone 601 (2-tert-Butoxy-5- 1-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-2,5-difluoro- 489.1 (M-tBu + H) methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine hydrochloride phenyl)-[4-(4- (compound 6.33) and 2-tert-Butoxy- ethanesulfonyl-2,5- 5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid difluoro-phenyl)- (compound 2.19) piperazin-1-yl]- methanone 602 (2-tert-Butoxy-5- 1-(4-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2,5- 501.3 (M-tBu + H) methanesulfonyl- difluoro-phenyl)-piperazine phenyl)-[4-(4- hydrochloride (compound 6.34) and cyclopropanesulfonyl- 2-tert-Butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- 2,5-difluoro-phenyl)- benzoic acid (compound 2.19) piperazin-1-yl]- methanone 603 [4-(4-Cyclobutane 1-(4-Cyclobutanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 579.1 sulfonyl-2-fluoro- phenyl)-piperazine hydrochloride phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 6.24) and 5- [5-methanesulfonyl-2- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro- (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- ethoxy)-benzoic acid (compound phenyl]-methanone 1.5) 604 {4-[2,3-Difluoro-4- 1-[2,3-Difluoro-4-(propane-2- 602.2 (M + NH4+) (propane-2-sulfonyl)- sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazine phenyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- hydrochloride (compound 6.29) and [5-methanesulfonyl-2- 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic acid phenyl]-methanone (compound 1.5) 605 [4-(4-Ethanesulfonyl- 1-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-2,3-difluoro- 571.2 2,3-difluoro-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazine hydrochloride piperazin-1-yl]-[5- (compound 6.30) and 5- methanesulfonyl-2- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro- (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- ethoxy)-benzoic acid (compound phenyl]-methanone 1.5) 606 [4-(4-Cyclopropane 1-(4-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2,3- 600.2 (M + NH4+) sulfonyl-2,3-difluoro- difluoro-phenyl)-piperazine phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- hydrochloride (compound 6.31) and [5-methanesulfonyl-2- 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic acid phenyl]-methanone (compound 1.5) 607 {4-[2,5-Difluoro-4- 1-[2,5-Difluoro-4-(propane-2- 602.3 (M + NH4+) (propane-2-sulfonyl)- sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazine phenyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- hydrochloride (compound 6.32) and [5-methanesulfonyl-2- 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic acid phenyl]-methanone (compound 1.5) 608 [4-(4-Ethanesulfonyl- 1-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-2,5-difluoro- 588.3 (M + NH4+) 2,5-difluoro-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazine hydrochloride piperazin-1-yl]-[5- (compound 6.33) and 5-Methane methanesulfonyl-2- sulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- benzoic acid (compound 1.5) phenyl]-methanone 609 [4-(4-Cyclopropane 1-(4-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2,5- 600.2 (M + NH4+) sulfonyl-2,5-difluoro- difluoro-phenyl)-piperazine phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- hydrochloride (compound 6.34) and [5-methanesulfonyl-2- 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic acid phenyl]-methanone (compound 1.5) 610 rac-[4-(4-Cyclobutane 1-(4-Cyclobutanesulfonyl-2-fluoro- 593.2 sulfonyl-2-fluoro- phenyl)-piperazine hydrochloride phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 6.24) and rac-5- [5-methanesulfonyl-2- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- 1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- (compound 3.1) methanone 611 rac-{4-[2,3-Difluoro-4- 1-[2,3-Difluoro-4-(propane-2- 599.2 (propane-2-sulfonyl)- sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazine phenyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- hydrochloride (compound 6.29) and [5-methanesulfonyl-2- rac-5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- acid (compound 3.1) methanone 612 rac-[4-(4- 1-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-2,3-difluoro- 602.2 (M + NH4+) Ethanesulfonyl-2,3- phenyl)-piperazine hydrochloride difluoro-phenyl)- (compound 6.30) and rac-5- piperazin-1-yl]-[5- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro- methanesulfonyl-2- 1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- (compound 3.1) methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- methanone 613 rac-[4-(4- 1-(4-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2,3- 614.3 (M + NH4+) Cyclopropanesulfonyl- difluoro-phenyl)-piperazine 2,3-difluoro-phenyl)- hydrochloride (compound 6.31) and piperazin-1-yl]-[5- rac-5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- methanesulfonyl-2- trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- acid (compound 3.1) methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- methanone 614 rac-4-[2,5-Difluoro-4- 1-[2,5-Difluoro-4-(propane-2- 616.2 (M + NH4+) (propane-2-sulfonyl)- sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazine phenyl]-piperazin-1-yl}- hydrochloride (compound 6.32) and [5-methanesulfonyl-2- rac-5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- acid (compound 3.1) methanone 615 rac-[4-(4- 1-(4-Ethanesulfonyl-2,5-difluoro- 602.3 (M + NH4+) Ethanesulfonyl-2,5- phenyl)-piperazine hydrochloride difluoro-phenyl)- (compound 6.33) and rac-5- piperazin-1-yl]-[5- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro- methanesulfonyl-2- 1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- (compound 3.1) methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- methanone 616 rac-[4-(4- 1-(4-Cyclopropanesulfonyl-2,5- 614.3 (M + NH4+) Cyclopropanesulfonyl- difluoro-phenyl)-piperazine 2,5-difluoro-phenyl)- hydrochloride (compound 6.34) and piperazin-1-yl]-[5- rac-5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- methanesulfonyl-2- trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic (2,2,2-trifluoro-1- acid (compound 3.1) methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- methanone 617 [4-(4-Hydroxy-phenyl)- 4-Piperazin-1-yl-phenol 419.1 piperazin-1-yl]-(2- (commercial) and 2-Isopropoxy-5- isopropoxy-5- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid methanesulfonyl- (compound 1.2) phenyl)-methanone 618 rac-(2-Isopropoxy-5- rac-2-Methyl-1-(4-trifluoromethyl- 485.2 methanesulfonyl- phenyl)-piperazine hydrochloride phenyl)-[3-methyl-4-(4- (compound 6.35) and 2- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- Isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl- piperazin-1-yl]- benzoic acid (compound 1.2) methanone 619 1-{4-Isopropoxy-3-[4-(4- 1-(4-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- 435.2 trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- piperazine (commercial) and 5- piperazine-1-carbonyl]- Acetyl-2-isopropoxy-benzoic acid phenyl}-ethanone (compound 6.36)

EXAMPLE 6.37 Preparation of 4-isopropoxy-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-benzoic acid (a) 4-Isopropoxy-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-benzonitrile

To a solution of 3.6 mmol 5-cyano-2-isopropoxy-benzoic acid (compound 1.13) in 20 ml THF were added 4.0 mmol TBTU, 21.6 mmol N-ethyldiisopropylamine and 4.0 mmol 1-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine (commercial). The reaction was then stirred at RT for 16 h, concentrated in vacuo, and purified by chromatography on silica gel (eluant: ethyl acetate/heptane 1:1) to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 418.3 (M#H⁺, 100%)

(b) 4-Isopropoxy-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-benzoic acid

To 3.2 mmol 4-isopropoxy-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-benzonitrile in 15 ml ethanol was added 30 mmol 2 M aq NaOH and the mixture was heated at 85° C. for 16 h. The mixture was then cooled to RT, diluted with water and acidified to pH 1 with conc HCl, and then extracted three times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were dried with Na₂SO₄, concentrated in vacuo, and the residue purified by chromatography on silica gel (eluant: methanol/dichloromethane 5:95) to afford the title compound.MS (m/e): 435.3 ([M−H]⁻, 100%)

EXAMPLE 620 Preparation of 4-isopropoxy-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-benzoic acid methyl ester

To 0.3 mmol 4-isopropoxy-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-benzoic acid in 2 ml DMF was added 0.4 mmol CDI, and the mixture heated at 50° C. for 30 min. 5.2 mmol methanol was then added, and the mixture was stirred at RT for 16 h. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature, concentrated in vacuo, and the residue chromatographed on silica gel (eluant: ethyl acetate/heptane 1:4) to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 451.2 (M+H⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 621 Preparation of 4-isopropoxy-N-methyl-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-benzamide

To 0.3 mmol 4-isopropoxy-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-benzoic acid in 2 ml DMF was added 0.4 mmol CDI, and the mixture heated at 50° C. for 30 min. 5.2 mmol methylamine (41% aq solution) was then added, and the mixture was stirred at RT for 16 h. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature, concentrated in vacuo, and the residue chromatographed on silica gel (eluant: ethyl acetate) to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 450.1 (M+H⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 6.38 Preparation of 3-[4-(4-Cyano-3-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-hydroxy-benzenesulfonamide (a) 2-Hydroxy-5-sulfamoyl-benzoic acid

Ammonia gas was bubbled through a solution of 107 mmol 5-chlorosulfonyl-2-hydroxy-benzoic acid in 250 ml acetone at 0° C. for 2 h. Argon gas was then bubbled through the reaction mixture for 1 h to purge excess ammonia. The mixture was then diluted with water, the pH adjusted to pH 14 by addition of 5 M aq NaOH solution, and the mixture was then extracted with ether/ethyl acetate (1:1). The aqueous phase was acidified with concentrated HCl, saturated with NaCl, and extracted twice with THF. The combined THF extracts were dried with Na₂SO₄. Evaporation of the solvent in vacuo followed by drying of the residue by heating at 60° C. overnight in vacuo yielded the title compound.

MS (m/e): 216.1 ([M−H]⁻, 100%)

(b) 2-Hydroxy-5-sulfamoyl-benzoic acid methyl ester

To 62 mmol 2-hydroxy-5-sulfamoyl-benzoic acid in 80 ml THF was added 80 mmol CDI and the mixture heated at 50° C. for 1 h. 616 mmol methanol was then added, and the mixture was heated at 50° C. for 16 h. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature, concentrated in vacuo, and the residue chromatographed on silica gel (eluant: dichloromethane/methanol 20:1). The product containing fractions were concentrated in vacuo and the residue suspended in ethyl acetate and washed with aq NaHCO3 solution. The organic phase was dried with Na₂SO₄ and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 230.2 ([M−H]⁻, 100%)

(c) 2-(4-Methoxy-benzyloxy)-5-sulfamoyl-benzoic acid methyl ester

To 4.8 mmol 2-hydroxy-5-sulfamoyl-benzoic acid methyl ester, 5.2 mmol 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol and 5.2 mmol triphenylphosphine in 8 ml THF was added 5.2 mmol di-tert-butyl azodicarboxylate, and the mixture was stirred at RT for 2 h. The mixture was then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel (eluant: ethyl acetate/heptane gradient) to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 350.2 ([M−H]⁻, 100%)

(d) 2-(4-Methoxy-benzyloxy)-5-sulfamoyl-benzoic acid

To 2.5 mmol 2-(4-methoxy-benzyloxy)-5-sulfamoyl-benzoic acid methyl ester in 6 ml THF was added 5 mmol 2 M aq NaOH, and the mixture was heated at 60° C. for 30 min. The mixture was then cooled to RT and extracted twice with ethyl acetate. The aqueous phase was acidified to pH 1 with 5 M aq HCl and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were washed with saturated aq NaCl and dried with Na₂SO₄. Evaporation in vacuo afforded the title compound. MS (m/e): 336.1 ([M−H]⁻, 100%)

(e) (3-[4-(4-Cyano-3-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-(4-methoxy-benzyloxy)-benzenesulfonamide

To a solution of 3.5 mmol 2-(4-methoxy-benzyloxy)-5-sulfamoyl-benzoic acid in 4 ml dimethylformamide and 12 ml THF were added 5.3 mmol TBTU, 17.5 mmol N-ethyldiisopropylamine and 3.5 mmol 3-fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl-benzonitrile (WO9625414). The reaction was then stirred at RT for 1 h, concentrated in vacuo, and purified by chromatography on silica gel (eluant: ethyl acetate/heptane gradient) to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 525.1 (M+H⁺)

(f) (3-[4-(4-Cyano-3-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-hydroxy-benzenesulfonamide

Hydrogen gas was bubbled through a solution of 1.0 mmol (3-[4-(4-Cyano-3-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-(4-methoxy-benzyloxy)-benzenesulfonamide in 40 ml THF containing 50 mg 10% palladioum on charcoal and a few drops of acetic acid for 6 h at RT. The reaction mixture was then purged with argon, filtered through celite, and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel (eluant: methanol/dichloromethane gradient) to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 403.1 ([M−H]⁻, 100%)

In analogy to Example 6.38(e) and (f), compounds 6.39 and 6.40 of the following table were prepared from 2-(4-methoxy-benzyloxy)-5-sulfamoyl-benzoic acid and the appropriate piperazine, followed by hydrogenolysis with catalytic palladium on charcoal:

Expl. MS No name piperazine (m/e) 6.39 3-[4-(4-Cyano-2-fluoro- 3-Fluoro-4- 403.1 (M − H) phenyl)-piperazine-1- piperazin-1-yl- carbonyl]-4-hydroxy- benzonitrile benzenesulfonamide (WO9625414) 6.40 3-[4-(2-Fluoro-4- 1-(2-Fluoro-4- 456.2 (M − H) methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- methanesulfonyl- piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4- phenyl)- hydroxy-benzenesulfonamide piperazine (commercial)

EXAMPLE 622 Preparation of 3-[4-(4-cyano-3-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-isobutoxy-benzenesulfonamide

To 0.1 mmol (3-[4-(4-cyano-3-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-hydroxy-benzenesulfonamide (compound 6.38), 0.5 mmol 2-methyl-1-propanol and 0.3 mmol diphenyl-2-pyridylphosphine in 4 ml THF was added 0.3 mmol di-tert-butyl azodicarboxylate, and the mixture was stirred at 60° C. for 4 h. The mixture was then diluted with ethyl acetate and washed twice with 5 M aq HCl and then with saturated aq NaCl solution. The organic phase was then dried with Na₂SO₄, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was triturated in ether to afford the title compound. MS (m/e): 459.2 ([M−H]⁻, 100%)

In analogy to Example 622, compounds 623 to 632 of the following table were prepared from compounds 6.38 to 6.40 and the appropriate alcohol:

Expl. No. name Starting materials MW found (MH⁺) 623 3-[4-(4-Cyano-3- 3-[4-(4-Cyano-3-fluoro- 471.3 (M − H) fluoro-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]- piperazine-1-carbonyl]- 4-hydroxy-benzenesulfonamide 4-cyclopentyloxy- (compound 6.38) and benzenesulfonamide cyclopentanol 624 3-[4-(4-Cyano-2- 3-[4-(4-Cyano-2-fluoro- 445.2 (M − H) fluoro-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]- piperazine-1-carbonyl]- 4-hydroxy-benzenesulfonamide 4-isopropoxy- (compound 6.39) and 2- benzenesulfonamide propanol 625 3-[4-(4-Cyano-2- 3-[4-(4-Cyano-2-fluoro- 459.2 (M − H) fluoro-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]- piperazine-1-carbonyl]- 4-hydroxy-benzenesulfonamide 4-isobutoxy- (compound 6.39) and 2-methyl- benzenesulfonamide 1-propanol 626 3-[4-(4-Cyano-2- 3-[4-(4-Cyano-2-fluoro- 471.3 (M − H) fluoro-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]- piperazine-1-carbonyl]- 4-hydroxy-benzenesulfonamide 4-cyclopentyloxy- (compound 6.39) and benzenesulfonamide cyclopentanol 627 3-[4-(2-Fluoro-4- 3-[4-(2-Fluoro-4- 512.3 (M − H) methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazine-1- piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4- carbonyl]-4-isobutoxy- hydroxy-benzenesulfonamide benzenesulfonamide (compound 6.40) and 2-methyl- 1-propanol 628 4-Cyclopentyloxy-3-[4- 3-[4-(2-Fluoro-4- 524.5 (M − H) (2-fluoro-4- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- methanesulfonyl- piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4- phenyl)-piperazine-1- hydroxy-benzenesulfonamide carbonyl]- (compound 6.40) and benzenesulfonamide cyclopentanol 629 3-[4-(4-Cyano-3- 3-[4-(4-Cyano-3-fluoro- 445.1 (M − H) fluoro-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]- piperazine-1-carbonyl]- 4-hydroxy-benzenesulfonamide 4-isopropoxy- (compound 6.38) and 2- benzenesulfonamide propanol 630 3-[4-(4-Cyano-3- 3-[4-(4-Cyano-3-fluoro- 471.3 (M − H) fluoro-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]- piperazine-1-carbonyl]- 4-hydroxy-benzenesulfonamide 4-cyclobutylmethoxy- (compound 6.38) and benzenesulfonamide cyclobutanemethanol 631 3-[4-(2-Fluoro-4- 3-[4-(2-Fluoro-4- 498.4 (M − H) methanesulfonyl- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- phenyl)-piperazine-1- piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4- carbonyl]-4- hydroxy-benzenesulfonamide isopropoxy- (compound 6.40) and 2- benzenesulfonamide propanol 632 4-Cyclobutylmethoxy- 3-[4-(2-Fluoro-4- 524.5 (M − H) 3-[4-(2-fluoro-4- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- methanesulfonyl- piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4- phenyl)-piperazine-1- hydroxy-benzenesulfonamide carbonyl]- (compound 6.40) and benzenesulfonamide cyclobutanemethanol

EXAMPLE 7.1 Preparation of 3-piperazin-1-yl-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridazine (a)-3-Chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridazine

5-Trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-ol [244268-34-6 (1 g) was added to a stirred solution of phosphoryloxychloride, and the reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 1 hour. After such time, the reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature, poured onto ice and after 5 minutes was extracted twice from the aqueous solution with dichloromethane. The combined organic phases were dried with sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was distilled in a Kugelrohr apparatus (bp=80-100° C.@ 12 mBar) to yield the title compound (0.26 g). MS (m/e): 182.0

(b) 4-(5-Trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

3-Chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridazine (200 mg) was added to piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (231 mg) in dimethylacetamide (3 mL), and the reaction mixture was stirred at 100° C. for 3 hours. After such time, the reaction mixture was allowed to cool down to room temperature and diluted with ethyl acetate. The solid was filtered off and washed with ethyl acetate. The filtrate was then concentrated in vacuo and then purified by column chromatography (SiO₂, Heptane/EtOAc) to yield the title compound as a white solid (364 mg). MS (m/e): 333.4 (M+H⁺, 100%)

(c) 3-piperazin-1-yl-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridazine

4-(5-Trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (45 mg) was dissolved in dichloromethane (0.5 mL), and trifluoroacetic acid was added (0.5 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 minutes before being concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude title compound which was used directly in the next step without further purification or analysis.

EXAMPLE 7.2 Preparation of 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1,1-dimethyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid

To 2-Fluoro-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (247569-56-8) (600 mg) in dimethylacetamide (10 mL) was added cesium carbonate at 170° C. 2-trifluoromethyl-propanol (0.94 mL) was first added to the reaction mixture followed by additionally 0.47 mL every 24 hours. After a total of 72 hours, the reaction mixture was acidified by addition of formic acid, concentrated in vacuo and purified by preparative HPLC to yield the title compound as a light brown solid (897 mg). MS (m/e): 325.3. (M−H, 100%)

EXAMPLE 7.3 Preparation of 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-piperazin-1-yl-pyrimidine (a) 3-Dimethylamino-2-methanesulfonyl-allylidene-dimethyl-ammonium; chloride

To sulfonyl-acetic acid (1.5 g) in dimethylformamide was slowly added phosphorus oxychloride over 5 minutes, and the reaction was then stirred at 70° C. for 1 hour and then at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was then directly poured over a short column chromatography (SiO₂, 100 g), eluting successively with 500 mL of EtOAc, THF, EtOAc/EtOH (50/50), EtOH and finally MeOH to yield the title compound (1.58 g). MS (m/e): 204.9 (M⁺).

(b) 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-piperazin-1-yl-pyrimidine

The title compound was prepared in analogy to Example 2.25 using 3-Dimethylamino-2-methanesulfonyl-allylidene-dimethyl-ammonium; chloride as starting material. MS (m/e): 243.1 (M+H⁺, 100%).

EXAMPLE 7.4 Preparation of 1-(5-Methanesulfonyl-pyridin-2-yl)-piperazine trifluoro-acetic acid

The title compound was prepared in analogy to Example 7.1 (b-c) from 2-bromo-5-(methanesulfonyl)pyridine and piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester. MS (m/e): 242.1 (M+H⁺, 100%)

In analogy to Example 5, compounds 633 to 644 of the following table were prepared from the acid derivatives and piperazine derivatives:

MW found Expl.- No. Systematic Name Starting materials (MH⁺) 633 rac-[5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 3-Piperazin-1-yl-5- 527.0 (2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- trifluoromethyl- ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(5- pyridazine (compound 7.1) and trifluoromethyl-pyridazin- rac-5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- 3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]- trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)- methanone benzoic acid (compound 3.1) 634 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 2-Piperazin-1-yl-5- 541.0 (2,2,2-trifluoro-1,1- trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine dimethyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- (compound 2.25) and 5- [4-(5-trifluoromethyl- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- pyrimidin-2-yl)-piperazin- trifluoro-1,1-dimethyl-ethoxy)- 1-yl]-methanone benzoic acid (compound 7.2) 635 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 2-Piperazin-1-yl-5- 527.2 ((S)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1- trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- (compound 2.25) and 5- [4-(5-trifluoromethyl- Methanesulfonyl-2-((S)-2,2,2- pyrimidin-2-yl)-piperazin- trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)- 1-yl]-methanone benzoic acid (compound 5.6) 636 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 2-Piperazin-1-yl-5- 527.2 ((R)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1- trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- (compound 2.25) and 5- [4-(5-trifluoromethyl- Methanesulfonyl-2-((R)-2,2,2- pyrimidin-2-yl)-piperazin- trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)- 1-yl]-methanone benzoic acid (compound 5.7) 637 [4-(3-Fluoro-5- 1-(3-Fluoro-5-trifluoromethyl- 558.2 trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2- pyridin-2-yl)-piperazine yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5- (compound 5.5) and 5- methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- trifluoro-1,1-dimethyl- trifluoro-1,1-dimethyl-ethoxy)- ethoxy)-phenyl]- benzoic acid (compound 7.2) methanone 638 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 2-Piperazin-1-yl-5- 513.3 (2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)- trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine phenyl]-[4-(5- (compound 2.25) and 5- trifluoromethyl- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- pyrimidin-2-yl)-piperazin- trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoic acid 1-yl]-methanone (compound 1.5) 639 (2-Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- 2-Piperazin-1-yl-5- 485.4 methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine [4-(5-trifluoromethyl- (compound 2.25) and 2- pyrimidin-2-yl)-piperazin- Cyclopropylmethoxy-5- 1-yl]-methanone methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 1.4) 640 [4-(2,5-Difluoro-4- 1-(2,5-Difluoro-4- 585.3 methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-[5- piperazine trifluoro-acetic acid methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- (compound 2.20) and 5- trifluoro-1,1-dimethyl- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- ethoxy)-phenyl]- trifluoro-1,1-dimethyl-ethoxy)- methanone benzoic acid (compound 7.2) 641 [4-(2,3-Difluoro-4- 1-(2,3-Difluoro-4- 585.3 methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-[5- piperazine (compound 5.3) and methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- trifluoro-1,1-dimethyl- trifluoro-1,1-dimethyl-ethoxy)- ethoxy)-phenyl]- benzoic acid (compound 7.2) methanone 642 [4-(2,6-Difluoro-4- 1-(2,6-Difluoro-4- 585.2 methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]-[5- piperazine trifluoro-acetic acid methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- (compound 2.23) and 5- trifluoro-1,1-dimethyl- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- ethoxy)-phenyl]- trifluoro-1,1-dimethyl-ethoxy)- methanone benzoic acid (compound 7.2) 643 rac-[4-(5-Methane 5-Methanesulfonyl-2-piperazin- 537.3 sulfonyl-pyrimidin-2-yl)- 1-yl-pyrimidine (compound 7.3) piperazin-1-yl]-[5- and rac-5-Methanesulfonyl-2- methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- trifluoro-1-methyl- ethoxy)-benzoic acid ethoxy)-phenyl]- (compound 3.1) methanone 644 rac-[4-(5- 1-(5-Methanesulfonyl-pyridin- 536.3 Methanesulfonyl-pyridin- 2-yl)-piperazine trifluoro-acetic 2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5- acid (compound 7.4) and rac-5- methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- trifluoro-1-methyl- trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)- ethoxy)-phenyl]- benzoic acid (compound 3.1) methanone

EXAMPLE 645 Preparation of (2-Allyloxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone

The title compound was prepared in analogy to example 62 from (2-Hydroxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone (compound 2.1) and cyclopropyl bromide. MS (m/e): 436.5 (MH⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 7.5 Preparation of 2-Benzyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid

The title compound was prepared in analogy to example 2.10 from methyl 5-(methanesulfonyl)salicylate and benzylalcohol. MS (m/e): 305.3 (M−H, 100%)

EXAMPLE 646 Preparation of (2-Benzyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(3-fluoro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone

The title compound was prepared in analogy to example 5 from 1-(3-Fluoro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-piperazine (compound 5.5) and 2-Benzyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 7.5). MS (m/e): 538.4 (MH⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 647 Preparation of (2-Benzyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone

The title compound was prepared in analogy to example 5 from 1-(2-Fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazine (commercial) and 2-Benzyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid (compound 7.5). MS (m/e): 547.4 (MH⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 648 Preparation of [4-(2-Fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-hydroxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone

A mixture of 0.915 mmol (2-benzyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, 0.05 mmol palladium on charcoal (10%) in 12.5 ml methanol was hydrogenated at atmospheric pressure at room temperature for 2 hours. After addition of chloroform, the mixture was filtered, and the solvent was evaporated to provide the title compound. MS (m/e): 474.3 (M+NH4⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 7.6 Preparation of 5-piperazin-1-yl-2-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine (a) 5-Chloro-2-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine

To a solution of 38 mmol trifluoroacetamidine in 70 ml acetonitrile was added 37.92 mmol ((Z)-2-Chloro-3-dimethylamino-allylidene)-dimethyl-ammonium hexafluoro phosphate (CAS: 291756-76-8) followed by 45.5 mmol triethylamine. The yellow solution was stirred at room temperature for 5 hours, then poured onto water and extracted 3 times with ether. The combined extracts were dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and distilled at 760 mm Hg to provide the title compound. MS (m/e): 182.2 (M⁺, 100%)

(b) 4-(2-Trifluoromethyl-pyrimidin-5-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

0.26 mmol 5-Chloro-2-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine was added to 0.26 mmol piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester in 1.5 ml dimethylacetamide, and the reaction mixture was stirred at 150° C. for 10 min. in a microwave oven. After such time, the reaction mixture was concentrated and the residue was then purified by column chromatography (SiO₂, Heptane/EtOAc) to yield the title compound. MS (m/e): 333.2 (M+H⁺, 100%)

(c) 5-piperazin-1-yl-2-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine

The title compound was prepared in analogy to Example 7.1 (c) from 4-(2-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidin-5-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester MS (m/e): 233.0 (M+H⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 7.7 Preparation of 5′-Trifluoromethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-[1,2′]bipyrazinyl (a) 2-Bromo-5-trifluoromethyl-pyrazine

To a suspension of 0.423 mmol copper (II) bromide in THF (1 ml) was added dropwise 0.51 mmol tert-butylnitrite at 0° C. within 2 minutes. 0.37 mmol 5-Trifluoromethyl-pyrazin-2-ylamine (CAS: 69816-38-2; WO9518097) in solution in THF (0.5 ml) was added dropwise within 5 minutes at 0° C. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 hour, at room temperature for 21 hours and quenched with water. The aqueous phase was extracted with ether. The combined extracts were dried over sodium sulfate and filtered and concentrated at atmospheric pressure. The residue was then purified by column chromatography (SiO₂, ether) to yield the title compound.

(b) 5′-Trifluoromethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-[1,2′]bipyrazinyl

The title compound was prepared in analogy to Example 7.6 (b-c) from 2-Bromo-5-trifluoromethyl-pyrazine MS (m/e): 233.0 (M+H⁺, 100%)

EXAMPLE 7.8 Preparation of 3-piperazin-1-yl-6-trifluoromethyl-pyridazine

The title compound was prepared in analogy to Example 7.6 (b-c) from 3-Chloro-6-trifluoromethyl-pyridazine (CAS: 258506-68-2). MS (m/e): 233.0 (M+H⁺, 100%)

In analogy to Example 5, compounds 649 to 660 of the following table were prepared from the acid derivatives and piperazine derivatives:

MW found Expl.- No. Systematic Name Starting materials (MH⁺) 649 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 5-Piperazin-1-yl-2- 527.2 ((S)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1- trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- (compound 7.6) and 5- [4-(2-trifluoromethyl- Methanesulfonyl-2-((S)-2,2,2- pyrimidin-5-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]- trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)- methanone benzoic acid (compound 5.6) 650 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 5-Piperazin-1-yl-2- 527.0 ((R)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1- trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- (compound 7.6) and 5- [4-(2-trifluoromethyl- Methanesulfonyl-2-((R)-2,2,2- pyrimidin-5-yl)- trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)- piperazin-1-yl]- benzoic acid (compound 5.7) methanone 651 (2-Isopropoxy-5- 5-Piperazin-1-yl-2- 473.0 methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine phenyl)-[4-(2- (compound 7.6) and 2- trifluoromethyl- Isopropoxy-5-methane pyrimidin-5-yl)- sulfonyl-benzoic acid piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 1.2) methanone 652 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 5′-Trifluoromethyl-3,4,5,6- 527.2 ((S)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1- tetrahydro-2H- methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- [1,2′]bipyrazinyl (compound (5′-trifluoromethyl- 7.7) and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 2,3,5,6-tetrahydro- ((S)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl- [1,2′]bipyrazinyl-4-yl)- ethoxy)-benzoic acid methanone (compound 5.6) 653 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 5′-Trifluoromethyl-3,4,5,6- 527.2 ((R)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1- tetrahydro-2H- methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- [1,2′]bipyrazinyl (compound (5′-trifluoromethyl- 7.7) and 5-Methanesulfonyl- 2,3,5,6-tetrahydro- 2-((R)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1- [1,2′]bipyrazinyl-4-yl)- methyl-ethoxy)-benzoic acid methanone (compound 5.7) 654 (2-Isopropoxy-5- 5′-Trifluoromethyl-3,4,5,6- 473.4 methanesulfonyl- tetrahydro-2H- phenyl)-(5′- [1,2′]bipyrazinyl (compound trifluoromethyl-2,3,5,6- 7.7) and 2-Isopropoxy-5- tetrahydro- methanesulfonyl-benzoic acid [1,2′]bipyrazinyl-4-yl)- (compound 1.2) methanone 655 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 3-Piperazin-1-yl-6- 527.3 ((S)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1- trifluoromethyl-pyridazine methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- (compound 7.8) and 5- [4-(6-trifluoromethyl- Methanesulfonyl-2-((S)-2,2,2- pyridazin-3-yl)- trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)- piperazin-1-yl]- benzoic acid (compound 5.6) methanone 656 (2-Isopropoxy-5- 3-Piperazin-1-yl-6- 473.3 methanesulfonyl- trifluoromethyl-pyridazine phenyl)-[4-(6- (compound 7.8) and 2- trifluoromethyl- Isopropoxy-5-methane pyridazin-3-yl)- sulfonyl-benzoic acid piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 1.2) methanone 657 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 3-Piperazin-1-yl-6- 527.3 ((R)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1- trifluoromethyl-pyridazine methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]- (compound 7.8) and 5- [4-(6-trifluoromethyl- Methanesulfonyl-2-((R)-2,2,2- pyridazin-3-yl)- trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)- piperazin-1-yl]- benzoic acid (compound 5.7) methanone 658 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 5-Piperazin-1-yl-2- 541.3 (2,2,2-trifluoro-1,1- trifluoromethyl-pyrimidine dimethyl-ethoxy)- (compound 7.6) and 5- phenyl]-[4-(2- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- trifluoromethyl- trifluoro-1,1-dimethyl- pyrimidin-5-yl)- ethoxy)-benzoic acid piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 7.2) methanone 659 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 3-Piperazin-1-yl-6- 541.3 (2,2,2-trifluoro-1,1- trifluoromethyl-pyridazine dimethyl-ethoxy)- (compound 7.8) and 5- phenyl]-[4-(6- Methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2- trifluoromethyl- trifluoro-1,1-dimethyl- pyridazin-3-yl)- ethoxy)-benzoic acid piperazin-1-yl]- (compound 7.2) methanone 660 [5-Methanesulfonyl-2- 5′-Trifluoromethyl-3,4,5,6- 541.3 (2,2,2-trifluoro-1,1- tetrahydro-2H- dimethyl-ethoxy)- [1,2′]bipyrazinyl (compound phenyl]-(5′- 7.7) and 5-Methanesulfonyl-2- trifluoromethyl-2,3,5,6- (2,2,2-trifluoro-1,1-dimethyl- tetrahydro- ethoxy)-benzoic acid [1,2′]bipyrazinyl-4-yl)- (compound 7.2) methanone

The compounds of formula I and their pharmaceutically usable addition salts possess valuable pharmacological properties. Specifically, it has been found that the compounds of the present invention are good inhibitors of the glycine transporter I (GlyT-1).

The compounds were investigated in accordance with the test given hereinafter.

Solutions and Materials

DMEM complete medium: Nutrient mixture F-12 (Gibco Life-technologies), fetal bovine serum (FBS) 5%, (Gibco life technologies), Penicillin/Streptomycin 1% (Gibco life technologies), Hygromycin 0.6 mg/ml (Gibco life technologies), Glutamine 1 mM Gibco life technologies)

Uptake buffer (UB): 150 mM NaCl, 10 mM Hepes-Tris, pH 7.4, 1 mM CaCl₂, 2.5 mM KCl, 2.5 mM MgSO₄, 10 mM (+) D-glucose. Flp-in™-CHO (Invitrogen Cat n^(o) R758-07) cells stably transfected with mGlyT1b cDNA.

Glycine Uptake Inhibition Assay (mGlyT-1b)

On day 1 mammalian cells, (Flp-in™-CHO), transfected with mGlyT-1b cDNA, were plated at the density of 40,000 cells/well in complete F-12 medium, without hygromycin in 96-well culture plates. On day 2, the medium was aspirated, and the cells were washed twice with uptake buffer (UB). The cells were then incubated for 20 min at 22° C. with either (i) no potential competitor, (ii) 10 mM non-radioactive glycine, (iii) a concentration of a potential inhibitor. A range of concentrations of the potential inhibitor was used to generate data for calculating the concentration of inhibitor resulting in 50% of the effect (e.g. IC₅₀, the concentration of the competitor inhibiting glycine uptake of 50%).

A solution was then immediately added containing [³H]-glycine 60 nM (11-16 Ci/mmol) and 25 μM non-radioactive glycine. The plates were incubated with gentle shaking, and the reaction was stopped by aspiration of the mixture and washing (three times) with ice-cold UB. The cells were lysed with scintillation liquid, shaken 3 hours and the radioactivity in the cells counted using a scintillation counter.

The prepared compounds show an IC₅₀ (μM) at GlyT-1 in the range of 0.006-5.0.

The preferred compounds show an IC₅₀ (μM) at GlyT-1 in the range of 0.006-0.05, as shown in the table below.

Example No. IC₅₀ (μM) 1 0.039 5 0.012 15 0.015 28 0.012 54 0.05 62 0.017 63 0.028 64 0.025 66 0.032 68 0.008 70 0.008 71 0.008 72 0.026 74 0.016 78 0.012 80 0.029 84 0.04 88 0.007 92 0.05 95 0.035 100 0.02 104 0.046 105 0.039 109 0.021 111 0.035 112 0.024 116 0.019 117 0.044 118 0.024 128 0.02 131 0.03 132 0.038 135 0.041 136 0.027 137 0.027 138 0.017 139 0.024 142 0.034 144 0.045 145 0.015 146 0.019 147 0.031 148 0.036 164 0.019 165 0.47 167 0.016 169 0.012 170 0.031 172 0.019 180 0.036 182 0.03 184 0.022 186 0.048 194 0.047 196 0.041 202 0.024 207 0.023 209 0.041 210 0.039 211 0.043 212 0.029 213 0.021 215 0.049 228 0.047 234 0.043 244 0.042 247 0.03 249 0.032 250 0.061 251 0.032 256 0.032 258 0.086 260 0.043 261 0.043 262 0.042 281 0.021 282 0.027 283 0.008 284 0.01 285 0.042 287 0.033 288 0.025 289 0.018 290 0.017 291 0.013 292 0.021 293 0.034 294 0.037 295 0.016 296 0.043 298 0.021 299 0.044 300 0.016 301 0.03 302 0.013 303 0.006 311 0.045 313 0.018 317 0.041 319 0.031 321 0.018 322 0.028 324 0.039 325 0.033 328 0.032 329 0.016 330 0.018 363 0.008 367 0.036 369 0.032 371 0.041 372 0.006 373 0.035 375 0.035 393 0.032 400 0.023 407 0.027 408 0.037 411 0.045 412 0.033 413 0.03 417 0.046 430 0.037 435 0.029 437 0.026 438 0.047 439 0.021 459 0.04 461 0.046 464 0.02 465 0.04 466 0.026 468 0.02 469 0.02 470 0.03 475 0.04 481 0.03 488 0.039 491 0.037 494 0.03 504 0.025 505 0.024 506 0.046 507 0.031 408 0.026 509 0.03 510 0.015 514 0.045 515 0.04 517 0.035 518 0.033 519 0.035 524 0.012 525 0.021 526 0.009 527 0.006 528 0.015 529 0.013 530 0.0057 531 0.028 534 0.049 537 0.03 546 0.035 554 0.019 557 0.042 558 0.029 561 0.038 562 0.044 563 0.043 564 0.041 566 0.03 568 0.044 570 0.046 571 0.05 573 0.037 574 0.034 576 0.039 578 0.041 589 0.032 595 0.049 637 0.047

The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing compounds of formula I or pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of formula I and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Such pharmaceutical compositions can be in the form of tablets, coated tablets, dragées, hard and soft gelatine capsules, solutions, emulsions or suspensions. The pharmaceutical compositions also can be in the form of suppositories or injectable solutions.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention, in addition to one or more compounds of the invention, contain a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Suitable pharmaceutical acceptable carriers include pharmaceutically inert, inorganic or organic carriers. Lactose, corn starch or derivatives thereof, talc, stearic acids or its salts and the like can be used, for example, as such carriers for tablets, coated tablets, dragées and hard gelatine capsules. Suitable carriers for soft gelatine capsules are, for example, vegetable oils, waxes, fats, semi-solid and liquid polyols and the like. Depending on the nature of the active substance no carriers are however usually required in the case of soft gelatine capsules. Suitable carriers for the production of solutions and syrups are, for example, water, polyols, glycerol, vegetable oil and the like. Suitable carriers for suppositories are, for example, natural or hardened oils, waxes, fats, semi-liquid or liquid polyols and the like.

In addition, the pharmaceutical compositions can contain preservatives, solubilizers, stabilizers, wetting agents, emulsifiers, sweeteners, colorants, flavorants, salts for varying the osmotic pressure, buffers, masking agents or antioxidants. They can also contain still other therapeutically valuable substances.

Thus, pharmaceutical compositions containing a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a therapeutically inert carrier are also an object of the present invention, as is a process for their production, which comprises bringing one or more compounds of formula I and/or pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts and, if desired, one or more other therapeutically valuable substances into a galenical administration form together with one or more therapeutically inert carriers.

The most preferred indications in accordance with the present invention are those, which include disorders of the central nervous system, for example the treatment or prevention of schizophrenia, cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.

Thus, the invention also provides a method of inhibiting glycine uptake comprising administering to an individual a glycine inhibiting amount of one or more compounds of formula I. The invention further provides a method of inhibiting glycine uptake which comprises administering to an individual a glycine inhibiting amount of one of the following compounds

-   1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazine, -   1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-piperazine, -   1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-piperazine, -   4-(3-amino-4-nitrophenyl)-1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-piperazine, -   1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperazine, -   4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperazine, -   1-(2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl)-4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-piperazine, -   1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-4-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-methyl-piperazine, -   1-(4-chloro-2-nitrophenyl)-4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-piperazine     or -   4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-methyl-piperazine.

The invention provides a method of treating an illness selected from the group consisting of psychoses, pain, disfunction in memory and learning, schizophrenia, dementia, attention deficit disorders, and Alzheimer's disease, which method comprises administering to an individual an effective amount of one or more compounds of formula I. The invention further provides a method of treating an illness selected from the group consisting of psychoses, pain, disfunction in memory and learning, schizophrenia, dementia, attention deficit disorders, and Alzheimer's disease, which method comprises administering to an individual an effective amount of one or more compounds of the following compound 1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazine,

-   1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-piperazine, -   1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-piperazine, -   4-(3-amino-4-nitrophenyl)-1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-piperazine, -   1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperazine, -   4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperazine, -   1-(2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl)-4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-piperazine, -   1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-4-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-methyl-piperazine, -   1-(4-chloro-2-nitrophenyl)-4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-piperazine     or -   4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-methyl-piperazine.

In particular, the method provides a method of treating schizophrenia, which method comprises administering to an individual an effective amount of one or more compounds of formula I. The invention further provides a method of treating schizophrenia, which method comprises administering to an individual an effective amount of one or more compounds of the following compounds

-   1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazine, -   1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-piperazine, -   1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-piperazine, -   4-(3-amino-4-nitrophenyl)-1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-piperazine, -   1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperazine, -   4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperazine, -   1-(2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl)-4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-piperazine, -   1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-4-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-methyl-piperazine, -   1-(4-chloro-2-nitrophenyl)-4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-piperazine     or -   4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-methyl-piperazine.

In particular, the method provides a method of treating Alzheimer's disease, which method comprises administering to an individual an effective amount of one or more compounds of formula I. The invention further provides a method of treating Alzhemier's disease, which method comprises administering to an individual an effective amount of one or more compounds of the following compounds

-   1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazine, -   1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-piperazine, -   1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-piperazine, -   4-(3-amino-4-nitrophenyl)-1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-piperazine, -   1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperazine, -   4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperazine, -   1-(2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl)-4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-piperazine, -   1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-4-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-methyl-piperazine, -   1-(4-chloro-2-nitrophenyl)-4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-piperazine     or -   4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-methyl-piperazine.

The compounds and compositions of the present invention can be administered in a conventional manner, for example, orally, rectally, or parenterally. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention can be administered orally, for example, in the form of tablets, coated tablets, dragées, hard and soft gelatine capsules, solutions, emulsions or suspensions. The pharmaceutical compositions also can be administered rectally, for example, in the form of suppositories or parenterally, for example, in the form of injectable solutions.

The dosage at which a compound of the invention can be administered can vary within wide limits and will, of course, have to be adjusted to the individual requirements in each particular case. In the case of oral administration the dosage for adults can vary from about 0.01 mg to about 1000 mg per day of a compound of general formula I or of the corresponding amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The daily dosage may be administered as single dose or in divided doses and, in addition, the upper limit can also be exceeded when this is found to be indicated.

Tablet Formulation (Wet Granulation) mg/tablet Item Ingredients 5 mg 25 mg 100 mg 500 mg 1. Compound of formula I 5 25 100 500 2. Lactose Anhydrous DTG 125 105 30 150 3. Sta-Rx 1500 6 6 6 30 4. Microcrystalline Cellulose 30 30 30 150 5. Magnesium Stearate 1 1 1 1 Total 167 167 167 831

Manufacturing Procedure 1. Mix items 1, 2, 3 and 4 and granulate with purified water. 2. Dry the granules at 50° C. 3. Pass the granules through suitable milling equipment. 4. Add item 5 and mix for three minutes; compress on a suitable press.

Capsule Formulation mg/capsule Item Ingredients 5 mg 25 mg 100 mg 500 mg 1. Compound of formula I 5 25 100 500 2. Hydrous Lactose 159 123 148 — 3. Corn Starch 25 35 40 70 4. Talc 10 15 10 25 5. Magnesium Stearate 1 2 2 5 Total 200 200 300 600

Manufacturing Procedure 1. Mix items 1, 2 and 3 in a suitable mixer for 30 minutes. 2. Add items 4 and 5 and mix for 3 minutes.

3. Fill into a suitable capsule. 

1. A compound of formula

wherein Ar is unsubstituted or substituted aryl, wherein the substituted aryl is substituted by one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, halogen, NO₂, CN, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by halogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by hydroxy, (CH₂)_(n)—(C₁-C₆)-alkoxy, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy substituted by halogen, NR⁷R⁸, C(O)R⁹, SO₂R¹⁰, and —C(CH₃)═NOR⁷, or are substituted by a 5-membered aromatic heterocycle containing 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N and O, which is optionally substituted by (C₁-C₆)-alkyl; R¹ is hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)-alkyl; R² is hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₂-C₆)-alkenyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by halogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by hydroxy, (CH₂)_(n)—(C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl optionally substituted by (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy or by halogen, CH(CH₃)—(C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n+1)—C(O)—R⁹, (CH₂)_(n+1)—CN, bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl, (CH₂)_(n+1)—O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (CH₂)_(n)-heterocycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n)-aryl or (CH₂)_(n)-5 or 6-membered heteroaryl containing one, two or three heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen wherein aryl, heterocycloalkyl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, halogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl and (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy; R³, R⁴ and R⁶ are each independently hydrogen, hydroxy, halogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy or O—(C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl; R⁵ is NO₂, CN, C(O)R⁹ or SO₂R¹⁰; R⁷ and R⁸ are each independently hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)-alkyl; R⁹ is hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy or NR⁷R⁸; R¹⁰ is (C₁-C₆)-alkyl optionally substituted by halogen, (CH₂)_(n)—(C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n)—(C₃-C₆)-alkoxy, (CH₂)_(n)-heterocycloalkyl or NR⁷R⁸; n is 0, 1, or 2; or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, with the proviso that 1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazine, 1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-piperazine, 1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-piperazine, 4-(3-amino-4-nitrophenyl)-1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-piperazine, 1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperazine, 4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperazine, 1-(2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl)-4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-piperazine, 1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-4-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-methyl-piperazine, 1-(4-chloro-2-nitrophenyl)-4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-piperazine and 4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-methyl-piperazine are excluded.
 2. A compound of formula

wherein Ar is substituted aryl, wherein the substituted aryl is substituted by one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, halogen, NO₂, CN, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by halogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy substituted by halogen, NR⁷R⁸, C(O)R⁹ and SO₂R¹⁰; R¹ is hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)-alkyl; R² is (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by halogen, (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl-(C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl-heterocycloalkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl-C(O)—R⁹, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl-CN, (C₂-C₆)-alkyl-O—R¹³, (C₂-C₆)-alkyl-NR⁷R⁸, aryl, 6-membered heteroaryl containing one, two or three nitrogen atoms, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl-aryl or (C₁-C₆)-alkyl-5 or -6-membered heteroaryl containing one, two or three heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen wherein aryl, heterocycloalkyl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, halogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl and (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy; R³, R⁴ and R⁶ are each independently hydrogen, hydroxy, halogen, CN, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy or NR⁷R⁸; R⁵ is NO₂, CN, C(O)R⁹, SO₂R¹⁰ or NR¹¹R¹²; R⁷ and R⁸ are each independently hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)-alkyl; R⁹ is hydroxy, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy or NR⁷R⁸; R¹⁰ is (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl or NR⁷R⁸; R¹¹ and R¹² are each independently hydrogen, C(O)—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, or SO₂—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, or form together with the N-atom to which they are attached a 5-membered heteroaryl group, optionally substituted by halogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by halogen or (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl; R¹³ is hydroxy, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl or (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, with the proviso that 1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazine, 1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-piperazine, 1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-piperazine, 4-(3-amino-4-nitrophenyl)-1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-piperazine, 1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperazine, 4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperazine, 1-(2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl)-4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-piperazine, 1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-4-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-methyl-piperazine, 1-(4-chloro-2-nitrophenyl)-4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-piperazine and 4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-methyl-piperazine are excluded.
 3. A compound of formula I according to claim 1, wherein Ar is substituted phenyl, R² is (C₁-C₆)-alkyl and R⁵ is S(O)₂CH₃ or S(O)₂CH₂CH₃.
 4. A compound of formula I according to claim 3, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of 1-{3-fluoro-4-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-phenyl}-ethanone, 3-fluoro-4-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, 2-Fluoro-4-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, [4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone, 1-{3-fluoro-4-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-phenyl}-ethanone, 4-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, 3-fluoro-4-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, 2-fluoro-4-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, (2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, [4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone, [4-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone; [4-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone, [4-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone, 2,3-difluoro-4-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, 2,3-difluoro-4-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, 2,5-difluoro-4-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, 2,6-difluoro-4-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, and 3,5-difluoro-4-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile.
 5. A compound of formula I according to claim 3, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of 4-[4-(2-tert-butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2,3-difluoro-benzonitrile, 5-chloro-2-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, 4-[4-(2-tert-butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2,5-difluoro-benzonitrile, 4-[4-(2-tert-butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-benzonitrile; (2-tert-butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, (2-tert-butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(2,5-difluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, 1-(4-{4-[2-(2,2-dimethyl-propoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-3-fluoro-phenyl)-ethanone, 4-{4-[2-(2,2-dimethyl-propoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, 4-{4-[2-(2,2-dimethyl-propoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-3-fluoro-benzonitrile, 4-{4-[2-(2,2-dimethyl-propoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-2-fluoro-benzonitrile, [2-(2,2-dimethyl-propoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone; [2-(2,2-dimethyl-propoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl]-[4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, [2-(2,2-dimethyl-propoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl]-[4-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, [2-(2,2-dimethyl-propoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl]-[4-(2-fluoro-4-ethanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, rac-1-{4-[4-(2-sec-butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-phenyl}-ethanone; rac-4-[4-(2-sec-butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-benzonitrile, rac-4-[4-(2-sec-butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2-fluoro-benzonitrile, rac-(2-sec-butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone,
 6. A compound of formula I according to claim 3, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of rac-(2-sec-butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, (2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, (2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, 2-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-5-trifluoromethyl-benzonitrile, 1-{2-fluoro-4-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-phenyl}-ethanone, [4-(3-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone, 1-{2-fluoro-4-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-phenyl}-ethanone, 2-[4-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-5-trifluoromethyl-benzonitrile; (5-ethanesulfonyl-2-isopropoxy-phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, [4-(4-difluoromethyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone, [4-(3-chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone, 3-fluoro-4-[4-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzaldehyde, [4-(4-ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone, rac-(2-sec-butoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, [4-(4-cyclobutanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone, [4-(4-cyclopentanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone, [4-(4-cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone, and [4-(4-cyclopropanesulfonyl-2,5-difluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-(2-isopropoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-methanone.
 7. A compound of formula I according to claim 1, wherein Ar is substituted phenyl, R² is (CH₂)_(n)—(C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl and R⁵ is S(O)₂CH₃.
 8. A compound of formula I according to claim 7, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of 1-{4-[4-(2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-phenyl}-ethanone, 4-[4-(2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, 4-[4-(2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-benzonitrile, 4-[4-(2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2-fluoro-benzonitrile, (2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, (2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, (2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, 1-{4-[4-(2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-phenyl}-ethanone, 4-[4-(2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, 4-[4-(2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-benzonitrile; 4-[4-(2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2-fluoro-benzonitrile, (2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, (2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, (2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, Rac-[2-(1-cyclopropyl-ethoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, 4-[4-(2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2,3-difluoro-benzonitrile, and 4-[4-(2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2,5-difluoro-benzonitrile.
 9. A compound of formula I according to claim 7, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of 4-[4-(2-cyclobutylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, 4-[4-(2-cyclobutylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2-fluoro-benzonitrile, 4-[4-(2-cyclobutylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-benzonitrile; (2-cyclobutylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, 1-{4-[4-(2-cyclobutylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-phenyl}-ethanone, 2-[4-(2-cyclobutylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-5-trifluoromethyl-benzonitrile, 4-[4-(2-cyclobutylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2,3-difluoro-benzonitrile, 4-[4-(2-cyclobutylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2,5-difluoro-benzonitrile; 4-[4-(2-cyclobutylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3,5-difluoro-benzonitrile, 4-[4-(2-cyclobutylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2,6-difluoro-benzonitrile, 4-[4-(2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3,5-difluoro-benzonitrile, 4-[4-(2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3,5-difluoro-benzonitrile, 4-[4-(2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2,6-difluoro-benzonitrile; 4-[4-(2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2,6-difluoro-benzonitrile, 5-chloro-2-[4-(2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile, and 4-[4-(2-cyclohexyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile.
 10. A compound of formula I according to claim 7, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of 4-[4-(2-cyclohexyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-benzonitrile, 4-[4-(2-cyclohexyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2-fluoro-benzonitrile, (2-cyclohexyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, (2-cyclohexyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, (2-cyclohexyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, 1-{4-[4-(2-cyclobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-phenyl}-ethanone, 4-[4-(2-cyclobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-benzonitrile; (2-cyclobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, (2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, 1-{4-[4-(2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2-fluoro-phenyl}-ethanone, 2-[4-(2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-5-trifluoromethyl-benzonitrile, (2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, (2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, (2-cyclohexyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-ethanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, (2-cyclopentyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, (2-cyclohexyloxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, and (2-cyclobutoxy-5-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-[4-(4-cyclopropanesulfonyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone.
 11. A compound of formula I according to claim 1, wherein Ar is substituted phenyl, R² is (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by halogen and R⁵ is S(O)₂CH₃.
 12. A compound of formula I according to claim 11, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of 1-(3-fluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-phenyl)-ethanone, 3-fluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, [4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-tri-fluoro-ethoxy)-phenyl]-methanone, [4-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-tri-fluoro-ethoxy)-phenyl]-methanone, [4-(2-fluoro-4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-phenyl]-methanone, 3-fluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(3,3,3-trifluoro-propoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, [4-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(3,3,3-trifluoro-propoxy)-phenyl]-methanone, [4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(3,3,3-trifluoro-propoxy)-phenyl]-methanone, 1-(3-fluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(3,3,3-trifluoro-propoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-phenyl)-ethanone, 2,5-difluoro-4-[4-(5-methanesulfonyl-2-trifluoromethoxy-benzoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-benzonitrile; 2,3-difluoro-4-{4-[2-(2-fluoro-1-fluoromethyl-ethoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, 2-fluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-propoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, [5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-propoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, 2,3-difluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-propoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, 3,5-difluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-propoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, 2-{4-[2-(2-fluoro-1-fluoromethyl-ethoxy)-5-methanesulfonyl-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-5-trifluoromethyl-benzonitrile, rac-2,3-difluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, 2-Fluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-propoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, and 3-fluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-propoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile.
 13. A compound of formula I according to claim 11, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of [5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-propoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, [4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-propoxy)-phenyl]-methanone, 2,3-difluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-propoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, 3,5-Difluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-propoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, [4-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-phenyl]-methanone, rac-5-chloro-2-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, rac-3,5-difluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, rac-2,5-difluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, rac-2,6-difluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile; rac-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, rac-3-fluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, rac-2-fluoro-4-{4-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-benzonitrile, rac-5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, rac-[4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-methanone, rac-[4-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-methanone, [4-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-[5-methanesulfonyl-2-((S or R)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-methanone, [5-methanesulfonyl-2-((S or R)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, and [5-methanesulfonyl-2-((R or S)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone.
 14. A compound of formula I according to claim 1, wherein Ar is substituted phenyl, R² is (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by halogen, CH₂)_(n)—(C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, bicycle[2.2.1]heptyl, (CH₂)_(n)—O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl or (CH₂)_(n)-heterocycloalkyl and R⁵ is NO₂.
 15. A compound of formula I according to claim 14, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of 1-(3-fluoro-4-{4-[2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-5-nitro-benzoyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-phenyl)-ethanone, (2-isopropoxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, (2-cyclopropylmethoxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, (2-cyclobutylmethoxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, (2-butoxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, [2-(2,2-dimethyl-propoxy)-5-nitro-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, (2-isobutoxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, (2-cyclopentyloxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone; (5-nitro-2-propoxy-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, (2-cyclobutoxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, Rac-(2-sec-butoxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, [5-nitro-2-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-propoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, [5-nitro-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, [2-(bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yloxy)-5-nitro-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, [2-(2-chloro-ethoxy)-5-nitro-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone, and [5-nitro-2-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-propoxy)-phenyl]-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methanone.
 16. A compound of formula I according to claim 1, wherein Ar is substituted phenyl, R² is (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by halogen or (CH₂)_(n)—(C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl and R⁵ is S(O)₂NHCH₃.
 17. A compound of formula I according to claim 16, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of 3-[4-(4-Cyano-3-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-N-methyl-4-trifluoromethoxy-benzenesulfonamide, 3-[4-(4-cyano-3-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-isobutoxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, 3-[4-(4-cyano-3-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-cyclopentyloxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, 3-[4-(4-cyano-3-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-cyclobutoxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, 3-[4-(4-cyano-3-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-cyclobutylmethoxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, 3-[4-(4-cyano-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-isobutoxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, 3-[4-(4-cyano-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-cyclopentyloxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, 3-[4-(4-cyano-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-cyclobutylmethoxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, 3-[4-(4-cyano-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-isobutoxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, 3-[4-(4-cyano-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-(2,2-dimethyl-propoxy)-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, 3-[4-(4-cyano-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-isopropoxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide; 3-[4-(4-cyano-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-cyclopentyloxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, 3-[4-(4-cyano-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-cyclobutoxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, 3-[4-(4-cyano-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-cyclopropylmethoxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, 3-[4-(4-cyano-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-cyclobutylmethoxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, 3-[4-(4-acetyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-isobutoxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, and 3-[4-(4-acetyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-(2,2-dimethyl-propoxy)-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide.
 18. A compound of formula I according to claim 16, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of 3-[4-(4-acetyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-cyclopentyloxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, 3-[4-(4-acetyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-cyclobutoxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, 3-[4-(4-acetyl-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-cyclopropylmethoxy-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, 4-isobutoxy-N-methyl-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-benzenesulfonamide, 4-(2,2-dimethyl-propoxy)-N-methyl-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-benzenesulfonamide; 4-isopropoxy-N-methyl-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-benzenesulfonamide, 4-cyclopentyloxy-N-methyl-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-benzenesulfonamide, 4-cyclobutoxy-N-methyl-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-benzenesulfonamide, 4-cyclopropylmethoxy-N-methyl-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-benzenesulfonamide, 4-cyclobutylmethoxy-N-methyl-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-benzenesulfonamide, N-methyl-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-4-(3,3,3-trifluoro-propoxy)-benzenesulfonamide, 3-[4-(4-cyano-2-fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-N-methyl-4-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-benzenesulfonamide, N-methyl-4-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-benzenesulfonamide rac-N-methyl-4-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-3-[4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-benzenesulfonamide, rac-3-[4-(4-cyano-2,5-difluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-N-methyl-4-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzenesulfonamide, and rac-3-[4-(4-cyano-2,3-difluoro-phenyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl]-N-methyl-4-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-methyl-ethoxy)-benzenesulfonamide.
 19. A composition comprising one or more compounds of formula

wherein Ar is unsubstituted or substituted aryl or 6-membered heteroaryl containing one, two or three nitrogen atoms, wherein the substituted aryl and the substituted heteroaryl groups are substituted by one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, halogen, NO₂, CN, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by halogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by hydroxy, (CH₂)_(n)—(C₁-C₆)-alkoxy, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy substituted by halogen, NR⁷R⁸, C(O)R⁹, SO₂R¹⁰, and —C(CH₃)═NOR⁷, or are substituted by a 5-membered aromatic heterocycle containing 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N and O, which is optionally substituted by (C₁-C₆)-alkyl; R¹ is hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)-alkyl; R² is hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₂-C₆)-alkenyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by halogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by hydroxy, (CH₂)_(n)—(C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl optionally substituted by (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy or by halogen, CH(CH₃)—(C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n+1)—C(O)—R⁹, (CH₂)_(n+1)—CN, bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl, (CH₂)_(n+1)—O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (CH₂)_(n)-heterocycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n)-aryl or (CH₂)_(n)-5 or 6-membered heteroaryl containing one, two or three heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen wherein aryl, heterocycloalkyl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, halogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl and (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy; R³, R⁴ and R⁶ are each independently hydrogen, hydroxy, halogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy or O—(C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl; R⁵ is NO₂, CN, C(O)R⁹ or SO₂R¹⁰; R⁷ and R⁸ are each independently hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)-alkyl; R⁹ is hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy or NR⁷R⁸; R¹⁰ is (C₁-C₆)-alkyl optionally substituted by halogen, (CH₂)_(n)—(C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n)—(C₃-C₆)-alkoxy, (CH₂)_(n)-heterocycloalkyl or NR⁷R⁸; n is 0, 1, or 2; or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, with the proviso that 1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazine, 1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-piperazine, 1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-piperazine, 4-(3-amino-4-nitrophenyl)-1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-piperazine, 1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperazine, 4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperazine, 1-(2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl)-4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-piperazine, 1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-4-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-methyl-piperazine, 1-(4-chloro-2-nitrophenyl)-4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-piperazine and 4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-methyl-piperazine are excluded or one or more compound selected from 1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazine, 1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-piperazine, 1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-piperazine, 4-(3-amino-4-nitrophenyl)-1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-piperazine, 1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperazine, 4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperazine, 1-(2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl)-4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-piperazine, 1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-4-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-methyl-piperazine, 1-(4-chloro-2-nitrophenyl)-4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-piperazine and 4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-methyl-piperazine and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
 20. A method of treating an illness selected from the group consisting of psychoses, pain, disfunction in memory and learning, schizophrenia, dementia, attention deficit disorders, and Alzheimer's disease, which method comprises administering to an individual an effective amount of one or more compounds of formula

wherein Ar is unsubstituted or substituted aryl or 6-membered heteroaryl containing one, two or three nitrogen atoms, wherein the substituted aryl and the substituted heteroaryl groups are substituted by one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, halogen, NO₂, CN, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by halogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by hydroxy, (CH₂)_(n)—(C₁-C₆)-alkoxy, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy substituted by halogen, NR⁷R⁸, C(O)R⁹, SO₂R¹⁰, and —C(CH₃)═NOR⁷, or are substituted by a 5-membered aromatic heterocycle containing 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N and O, which is optionally substituted by (C₁-C₆)-alkyl; R¹ is hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)-alkyl; R² is hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₂-C₆)-alkenyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by halogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl substituted by hydroxy, (CH₂)_(n)—(C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl optionally substituted by (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy or by halogen, CH(CH₃)—(C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n+1)—C(O)—R⁹, (CH₂)₊₁—CN, bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl, (CH₂)_(n+1)—O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (CH₂)_(n)-heterocycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n)-aryl or (CH₂)_(n)-5 or 6-membered heteroaryl containing one, two or three heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen wherein aryl, heterocycloalkyl and heteroaryl are unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, halogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl and (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy; R³, R⁴ and R⁶ are each independently hydrogen, hydroxy, halogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy or O—(C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl; R⁵ is NO₂, CN, C(O)R⁹ or SO₂R¹⁰; R⁷ and R⁸ are each independently hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)-alkyl; R⁹ is hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy or NR⁷R⁸; R¹⁰ is (C₁-C₆)-alkyl optionally substituted by halogen, (CH₂)_(n)—(C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(n)—(C₃-C₆)-alkoxy, (CH₂)_(n)-heterocycloalkyl or NR⁷R⁸; n is 0, 1, or 2; or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, with the proviso that 1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazine, 1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-piperazine, 1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-piperazine, 4-(3-amino-4-nitrophenyl)-1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-piperazine, 1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperazine, 4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperazine, 1-(2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl)-4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-piperazine, 1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-4-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-methyl-piperazine, 1-(4-chloro-2-nitrophenyl)-4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-piperazine and 4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-methyl-piperazine are excluded or administering an effective amount of one or more compounds selected from 1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazine, 1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-piperazine, 1-[5-(aminosulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzoyl]-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-piperazine, 4-(3-amino-4-nitrophenyl)-1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-piperazine, 1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperazine, 4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-2-methyl-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperazine, 1-(2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl)-4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-piperazine, 1-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-4-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-methyl-piperazine, 1-(4-chloro-2-nitrophenyl)-4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-piperazine and 4-[4-(dimethylamino)-2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzoyl]-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-methyl-piperazine. 